Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Crypto analyst Dark Defender has suggested that an upcoming shift in Bitcoin (BTC) dominance could trigger a significant move for $XRP. According to Dark Defender, recent technical signals indicate that XRP may be on the verge of a noteworthy upswing, driven by broader market dynamics.

Technical outlook for Bitcoin dominanceDark Defender identified BTC dominance at 58.84% after a recent pullback from its previous high. His analysis highlights an Elliott Wave structure, with Bitcoin’s market share projected to fall in several stages. The current level sits just below a descending trendline stretching back to the 2018 peak, positioned around the 60% to 62% range.

He marked key Fibonacci retracement levels, with 61.80% at 60.14% and the 38.20% line at 62.09%. If BTC dominance were to approach these levels, it would return to a significant long-term resistance band. In the Elliott Wave count, such a movement forms wave (2), after which a reversal into wave (3) could drive dominance lower.

BTC dominance remains below the long-term descending trendline connecting peaks since 2018, with Fibonacci resistance levels at 60.14% and 62.09% acting as key thresholds for a possible market shift.

Dark Defender mapped out potential downside targets, assigning 55.32% with the 123.60% Fibonacci extension as the first major level. The next targets are 52.54% with the 161.80% extension and potentially 45.90% at the 261.80% Fibonacci extension. The 45.90% mark aligns with a rising trendline linking prior BTC dominance lows. Beyond this drop, the outlook includes a recovery toward 52.54% before another possible decline for wave (5).

Momentum and RSI signalsThe monthly Relative Strength Index (RSI) supports the projection of a decreasing BTC dominance. The RSI had recently moved above 70 but fell toward the middle of its range, with a current reading of 51.59 below its moving average of 54.09. This technical picture suggests that momentum behind BTC’s dominance is weakening further.

As traditional markets increasingly witness technical analysis integrated into investment decisions, a parallel trend emerges in digital asset markets. While traditional market investors have long relied on brokers to navigate complex trades, Wall Street’s shift to Web3 now sees platforms like 1stepSwap offering direct ownership of shares, gold, and silver via crypto wallets. Tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWAs) and automated best-price mechanisms streamline trading, removing the need for intermediaries and enabling faster market access.

XRP’s opportunity amid a projected rotationAlthough Dark Defender did not specify an exact price target for XRP, his analysis links the token’s upside potential to the projected drop in BTC dominance. If Bitcoin’s share fails to sustain the 60.14% and 62.09% resistance levels, he expects a move toward 55.32%, 52.54%, and eventually 45.90%.

XRP has historically gained momentum when Bitcoin dominance declines, indicating the token could be well positioned to benefit from a shift in overall crypto market share.

A sustained decrease in BTC’s market share often allows altcoins, including XRP, to increase their presence and valuations. Previous cycles have seen XRP and other assets rally when Bitcoin’s influence wanes in the broader cryptocurrency landscape.

Currently, analysts and traders are closely monitoring these technical markers, noting that confirmation of a trend reversal in BTC dominance could act as a catalyst for the next major altcoin rotation. If the downward targets for Bitcoin dominance materialize, XRP could see a renewed period of strength as market participants rotate capital into alternative crypto assets.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

Cover image via depositphotos.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

A former Ripple engineer and current Walrus Protocol development marketer known online as "Bias Goose" has settled on the key instrument for his upcoming project on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

In a recent social media post, he published a concise teaser promising, "We will make RLUSD great again," finally confirming that his secretive startup will be built around Ripple's U.S. dollar stablecoin.

The slogan is an important detail in a series of cryptic hints he has been posting since early August. At present, however, this is literally all that is publicly known. 

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We will make RLUSD great again

— Bias Goose 🇺🇸 (@BiasGoose) August 16, 2026 The enigmatic project currently lacks an official name, a published white paper, or any visible registered legal entities — all while its creator has strategically promised a full, unvarnished presentation only in the first half of September.

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His brief posts reveal only that the secret startup is being developed in partnership with a "rather closed-off sector" of the traditional economy to bring real-world business on-chain.

What to expect (and what not to expect)Beyond the immediate stablecoin integration, a cross-protocol angle is already beginning to emerge. Bias Goose's current position at Walrus Protocol, a decentralized data storage protocol actively developing within the Sui ecosystem, is also of particular interest.

This leaves open the possibility of synergy between the two technologies — the project may attempt to combine the RLUSD and XRP settlement rails on the XRP Ledger with Walrus's capacity to store large datasets from the real economy.

The creator himself has not yet commented on the technical side, focusing exclusively on the economic model.

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The startup is deliberately rejecting the traditional crypto playbook: no artificial incentives, free giveaways, or issuance of its own token. At the same time, it claims that the net yield generated by real-world business will be several times higher than U.S. Treasury yields and will outperform that of any other stablecoin on the market.

Whether these promises can be delivered in practice will become clear only after the September launch.

XRP still battles for that key level as of press time. But is the worst behind it?

After several months of flirting with the psychological support level at $1.00, Ripple’s XRP finally dipped below it on a couple of occasions in the past week, which aligned with many analysts’ expectations for such a move before a major rebound.

However, some of the same analysts have been publishing controversial opinions on where the token’s bottom lies. Consequently, we decided to ask ChatGPT about its take on the matter and whether it believes XRP has finally reached a macro bottom.

In or Not In? Zooming out, the decline to a 21-month low of just under $1.00 points to a rapidly deteriorating market structure, meaning that XRP has plunged by 70% since its all-time high, which was marked 13 months ago. The positive side is that the token managed to rebound and continues to fight for this psychological support, and has yet to give it up entirely.

ChatGPT’s answer was not as straightforward and hopeful as the bulls might have liked. It noted that there’s a big possibility the bottom could be in or just inches away due to several factors. The first is simply the magnitude and duration of the correction.

The cross-border token has been freefalling for almost a year, producing a succession of lower highs and lower lows. All of its recovery attempts have been halted in its track, and it continues to close in the red monthly, with almost no exceptions.

There are some encouraging signs as well. As reported recently, the number of wallets holding at least a million XRP has increased by 32 over the past three months. Network usage, such as the number of active XRP addresses, jumped from under 24,000 to more than 43,500 within a month or so.

Still Premature Despite all of the above, ChatGPT remains cautious about concluding that the bottom is in, as it sees another plausible leg down. For instance, XRP’s Taker Buy/Sell Ratio on Binance recently hit a multi-month low of 0.86, showing that there are more aggressive sellers than buyers on the world’s largest exchange.

You may also like: Morgan Stanley’s XRP Exposure Emerges as Price Struggles Near $1 XRP Closed at a 21-Month Low, but the Bigger Ripple Story Is Elsewhere XRP Faces Its Strongest Selling Pressure Since May: What’s Next for Ripple’s Price? Rising futures positioning also increases the danger of another move south that can trigger a liquidation cascade. Lastly, the popular AI model outlined other analysts’ observations that the next important area for XRP lies at $0.94-$0.95. A break below that could lead to more profound losses and a dump to $0.80-$0.85.

As such, ChatGPT’s conclusion is that the bottom is ‘possibly’ in. However, there’s no confirmation yet, even though there is a ‘reasonable’ case that the sub-$1.00 dip marked, or came very close to, a local capitulation bottom.

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Ripple [XRP] was hanging on to the $1 psychological level by a thread. Over the past ten days, XRP prices have fallen by 6.67%, from $1.074 to $1.002, and further downside appeared likely.

Source: Joao Wedson on X
CEO and Founder of crypto intelligence platform Alphractal, Joao Wedson, wrote in a post on X that he “wouldn’t be surprised to see XRP trade below $0.60.” Historically, the average cost basis has been a price level that has been approached during market bottoms.

A long period of consolidation, followed by a bullish breakout, has been the norm in recent cycles and could occur again.

Polymarket has assigned a 65% chance that XRP prices will slide below $1. Rising leverage and weak buying pressure worsened the risk of a bearish price reaction, AMBCrypto reported.

Source: CryptoQuant
The taker buy/sell ratio measures the aggressive (market order) buying and selling volume. Since it is the taker orders that move market prices, sustained taker sell domination tends to accompany downtrends in price.

The ratio was at 0.8 at the time of writing, and the 7-day average was at 0.9. Moreover, figures below 1 represent aggressive seller dominance.

It must be noted that, even during strong XRP rallies, the taker buy/sell ratio has sometimes been below 1. The falling Taker Buy/Sell volume, alongside the rising Open Interest behind XRP, meant the market was in a distribution phase and dominated by sellers.

Too early to declare an XRP market bottom
Source: CryptoQuant
The three-month average of XRP whale inflows to Binance reached its lowest level since 2021, observed crypto analyst Darkfost. The average inflows were only $61 million now, compared to $456 million in January 2025, and $355 million in October 2025.

The analyst also noted that net flows remained positive at +$18.8 million, meaning inflows to centralized exchanges were dominant.

The receding whale inflows were a positive sign for the XRP market, but it is not a decisive signal that the market bottom is at hand. The push below $1 could yet see XRP prices slide below $0.60, closer to the average price before the next recovery can commence.

Final Summary

The odds of an XRP price drop below $1 were rising as the altcoin saw rising speculative leverage and falling buying pressure.
The 3-month average of whale inflows to Binance has reached its lowest level since 2021.

Fear language is surging across crypto channels as discussions of the market being “dead” gain traction online.

Words like dead, dying, over, ended, ending, and finished are gaining traction across X, Reddit, Telegram, and other crypto channels, says Santiment Intelligence.

“This is fear language. It usually appears when retail patience is breaking, prices feel stuck, and traders start treating temporary weakness like permanent failure.”

Data from the crypto analytics firm shows that increased mentions of fearful words related to Bitcoin on social media channels this year have been favorable for long-term BTC holders.

“Crypto markets often move hardest against the crowd when the crowd becomes too certain that upside is gone. When ‘crypto is dead’ talk rises while Bitcoin holds key levels, stronger hands keep accumulating, and forced sellers fade, the setup often becomes more attractive for patient buyers.” 

Source: Santiment Intelligence
Santiment Intelligence’s data also shows that the crowd is getting ultra negative toward XRP (XRP) as its price hovers around $1.

“XRP negativity surged throughout this week as prices have failed to rally (so far). Crowd commentary is now at a 3-month bearish extreme across X, Reddit, Telegram, and other crypto channels.

The XRP Ledger, on the other hand, is not so quiet. XRP just saw 49,929 active addresses in a single 24-hour span, its highest activity level in over 2 months, after earlier July activity had dropped near 2026 lows.

Now that the asset’s market value has fallen back under $1.00, expect retail sentiment to remain ugly. But with on-chain activity high, this is the counter-signal bulls want to see. Fear is loud. Participation is rising. If XRP holds structure and demand returns, today’s negativity could become tomorrow’s discounted entry narrative.”

Source: Santiment Intelligence

Generated Image: Midjourney

XRP continues to experience pronounced price fluctuations, drawing close attention from its holders after quick rallies are often followed by equally rapid declines. The debate over whether these movements reflect typical market volatility or something more orchestrated remains active among the community.

Concerns over price manipulationCrypto enthusiast Shelly Carter addressed these heightened worries, noting that many XRP investors believe the token is subject to daily manipulation. Carter shared a video from commentator Austin Hilton, who discussed the broader presence of manipulation across major cryptocurrencies, cautioning that this is not exclusive to XRP.

Hilton emphasized that, while market manipulation exists in many blue-chip digital assets, public discussion tends to lag behind what is commonly debated in private circles among analysts and content creators.

Hilton explained that, despite XRP’s significant market capitalization, the market’s liquidity and structure allow larger players to move prices with relatively small shifts. He underlined that these conditions can create outsized results for those with access to substantial capital.

Adding to the complexity, Hilton clarified that his stance does not imply XRP is a fraudulent asset or that investors should abandon their positions. Instead, he argued, manipulation is an intrinsic market dynamic that all parties should understand when dealing with cryptocurrencies.

Impact of institutional participantsHilton identified prominent market makers, exchanges, and institutional participants as potential sources of triggering short-term price movements, explaining that entities managing billions of dollars could generate notable returns simply by taking advantage of percentage-based fluctuations.

For illustration, Hilton referenced a scenario where a 4% price decline could enable well-capitalized participants to accumulate the asset at lower prices before profiting from the subsequent recovery. He maintained that his analysis was not designed as a technical how-to guide for spotting manipulation, but rather as a warning for investors to factor this possibility into their trading strategies.

He stressed that efforts made by larger players are typically intended to profit from cycles of percentage changes, not to cause an asset like XRP to collapse entirely. According to Hilton, price action frequently remains trapped in a pattern in which repeated rallies meet with just as rapid downturns, leading to persistent uncertainty for retail investors.

Strategy advice for XRP investorsHilton advised XRP holders to adopt strategic approaches, such as buying during sizable price drops or sticking to long-term holding strategies. He also mentioned using software and technical indicators to help identify entry and exit points, though he recognized that these tools carry inherent risks and do not eliminate market uncertainty.

Carter’s central message underscored the ongoing debate within the community about whether usual volatility or direct interventions are causing XRP’s frequent price swings. Hilton maintained that manipulation is a widespread issue in crypto markets and that investors must adjust accordingly rather than expecting a change in the system.

As investors weigh technical indicators like triangle formations or key market resistance levels, traditional barriers in legacy finance are fading. While conventional markets rely on complex brokers, Wall Street’s transition to Web3 is accelerating. Now, platforms such as 1stepSwap allow investors to directly hold tokenized shares of leading U.S. companies, gold, and silver in their crypto wallets. By tokenizing real-world assets and enabling instant price discovery, these platforms aim to eliminate middlemen entirely.

With manipulation concerns persisting, market participants are turning to a broader suite of tools and platforms to navigate ongoing volatility and access diversified assets more efficiently.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

The big elephant in the XRP ETF room is back.

In a rather interesting week in terms of reveals of who owns shares of the spot XRP ETFs, the funds actually ended it in the green, but only one day saw any action.

This is a recurring development that has frequently emerged, and the underlying asset has continued to suffer price-wise, dipping below $1.00 for the first time in nearly two years.

XRP ETFs Still in Green but… There’s not really much to explain about what happened last week with the net flows into the spot XRP ETFs, as it has been a story on repeat for a while. Yes, the five-day trading period was in the green. But that’s about it in terms of good news. The actual numbers show a minor inflow of $2.25 million, which was just slightly higher than last week’s $1.01 million.

Just to put things into perspective, the exchange-traded funds tracking the cross-border token were raking in over $20 million weekly in late June and over $60 million in mid-May.

A deeper look into each day’s performance tells an even more worrisome story. All $2.25 million entered the fund in one day – on Thursday. The rest of the business week, meaning four out of the five trading days, saw no reportable action, with SoSoValue showing $0.00 against each of those days.

Moreover, six out of the ten business days in August have shown the same trend – $0.00. Consequently, the cumulative total net inflows have remained at just over $1.51 billion, with little to no movement over the past couple of weeks.

On the plus side, numerous large US institutions, such as Morgan Stanley, have revealed significant exposure to XRP through ETFs in the past week.

You may also like: Morgan Stanley’s XRP Exposure Emerges as Price Struggles Near $1 XRP Closed at a 21-Month Low, but the Bigger Ripple Story Is Elsewhere XRP Faces Its Strongest Selling Pressure Since May: What’s Next for Ripple’s Price? XRP Price Struggles Perhaps due to the lack of actual institutional interest, since Ripple whales have been accumulating, the native token has consistently traded lower over the past few weeks. The asset was rejected at $1.10 recently and kept plunging until it eventually lost the $1.05 support. Almost inevitably, it dipped below $1.00 on a couple of occasions in just days, and it’s currently fighting to reclaim that level decisively.

From the technical and on-chain side, the landscape forward is quite contradictory. Some on-chain metrics show that the network activity has picked up lately, while the overall investor sentiment has deteriorated to a multi-month low. At the same time, the XRP Open Interest has reached its highest levels since the notorious October 2025 crash, which could result in intense volatility over the next few sessions.

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XRP briefly fell below the closely watched $1 level before rebounding on Aug. 16 as veteran trader Peter Brandt renewed his criticism of the cryptocurrency and said he would prefer Bitcoin even if given a large XRP position.

Summary

Peter Brandt said he would immediately convert a hypothetical 500,000 XRP position into Bitcoin instead.
XRP briefly traded below $1 before rebounding toward $1.06 during Sunday’s volatile cryptocurrency market session.
CoinGecko places XRP’s record high at $3.65, reached on July 17, 2025, before current decline.
Brandt had warned in March 2025 that XRP could fall toward $1.07 after support failed.
Binance XRP whale inflows averaged $61 million over three months, their lowest level since 2021.

Brandt wrote in an X post that he was not interested in owning the token after another user challenged his views. “Who the heck even cares about XRP?” Brandt wrote, adding that he trades futures and “I would convert it immediately to BTC” if he owned half a million XRP. His remarks describe a personal asset preference, not a disclosed transaction or new trading position.

Are you kidding me? Who the heck even cares about XRP. I do all my betting in futures. Who knows if you would even be good for the bet if you lost. And I could care less about owning a half million XRP. I would convert it immediately to BTC
Grow up please. You are acting like a…

— The Factor Report (@PeterLBrandt) August 15, 2026

XRP rebounds after briefly falling below $1
XRP traded below $1 during Sunday’s session. A CoinGecko snapshot showed the token near $0.9993, while the latest market feed checked for this report put XRP at about $1.059. Bitcoin was trading near $62,926. The price movement has not been linked to Brandt’s post.

XRP price chart, source: crypto.news
At $1.059, the hypothetical 500,000 XRP position discussed by Brandt would be worth about $529,500, equivalent to roughly 8.4 BTC at current prices. Brandt did not say he actually controls such a position.

The latest weakness leaves XRP about 71% below its record price. CoinGecko places its all time high at $3.65 on July 17, 2025. The same data source showed the token as much as 72.6% below that peak while XRP was trading under $1 earlier Sunday.

Brandt has repeatedly challenged XRP’s price outlook
Brandt’s latest comments continue a long running debate with XRP supporters. In March 2025, he identified what he called a textbook head and shoulders pattern. His chart suggested XRP could fall toward $1.07 if key support failed, while a move above $3 could invalidate the bearish structure.

XRP eventually traded near the level he identified, although reaching a technical target much later does not prove that the original chart caused or accurately predicted the decline. Market conditions changed materially between the March 2025 analysis and August 2026.

Brandt has also repeatedly criticized the conviction of some XRP traders. In December, he wrote that XRP and silver bulls were among the groups he had found easiest to provoke during his trading career dating to 1975.

His preference for Bitcoin also should not be interpreted as an immediate bullish Bitcoin forecast. As crypto.news recently reported, Brandt said Bitcoin could revisit roughly $58,000 after a large head and shoulders breakdown. He explicitly said he had not entered that trade and presented the decline as a possible scenario rather than a confirmed destination.

Onchain data shows reduced whale transfers to Binance
XRP’s test of $1 comes while one measure of potential exchange selling pressure has fallen sharply. CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost reported that the three month average of XRP whale inflows to Binance had declined to about $61 million, its lowest level since 2021.

As crypto.news reported, XRP whale inflows to Binance fell to their lowest level since 2021, compared with $456 million in January 2025 and $355 million in October. Lower exchange deposits can indicate less potential sell side supply, but they do not guarantee higher prices because demand can weaken simultaneously.

XRP had already been testing the same psychological level before Brandt’s latest comments. In related coverage, XRP traded near $1 as futures positioning increased, leaving traders focused on whether the support could survive sustained selling rather than a brief intraday break.

What happens next for XRP
The immediate market question is whether XRP can establish support back above $1 following Sunday’s recovery. A brief move below a round number does not by itself confirm a longer term breakdown. Traders would need additional price action, volume and market structure evidence before treating the move as durable.

Brandt has not published a new XRP price target alongside his Aug. 16 criticism. His comment was about preference between XRP and Bitcoin, not a forecast that XRP will fall further. Any attempt to present the post as a fresh bearish price prediction would therefore go beyond what he actually said.

For now, the verified developments are separate: XRP briefly lost $1 before recovering, whale deposits to Binance have fallen sharply, and Brandt remains unwilling to hold the token despite its current price being close to the $1.07 area he identified in a 2025 technical scenario.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

XRP Is Flashing Two Contradictory Signals: Which One Should Ripple Traders Trust?

Key Takeaways

August 16, 2026 finds XRP at $1.002, worth $62.8 billion, and 0.1 percent softer over the session.

Every XRP price forecast is measured against the $3.65 ceiling printed on July 17, 2025.

Modeled 2030 bands are priced against roughly 62.7 billion coins, so each row implies a market cap.

Stage 1 sold out at $0.00001, and $BULLSKI now sells at $0.000015 on the live $BULLSKI rung, inside a 16-stage ladder.

Ripple’s token changes hands at $1.002 today, so every XRP price prediction 2030 starts from that one number. Buyers want to know how far a $62.8 billion coin can stretch over four years. Modeled bands help, though assets that size climb in slow steps.

A presale priced at $0.000015 works on a completely different scale. Stage 1 of the Bullski sale sold out at $0.00001, and the ladder stepped up. Both stories are worth reading side by side.

Where XRP Stands on August 16, 2026 Table of Contents

Where XRP Stands on August 16, 2026Modeled Price Bands for XRP Through 2030What Would Have to Change for XRP to Climb$BULLSKI Occupies the Far Smaller Side of the MarketBuy $BULLSKI at $0.000015 Before Stage ThreeXRP and $BULLSKI Questions AnsweredHow Do I Buy $BULLSKI at $0.000015?Will XRP Go Up by 2030?How High Will XRP Go in a Strong Cycle?What Will XRP Be Worth in 2030?For More Information Ripple’s token last printed $1.002, which puts market value near $62.8 billion. Sellers trimmed 0.1 percent over the past 24 hours, which barely registers for a coin that size. CoinGecko dates the $3.65 peak to July 17, 2025.

Bitcoin sits above the whole board at $62,971 and $1.264 trillion, holding 56.11 percent dominance. New money piles into the largest coin first and filters down from there. Ripple’s token has to wait for its slot in that queue.

By the numbers: climbing back to $3.65 asks the market for roughly $166 billion in fresh value. Set against a meme sector worth $24.86 billion today, that single move covers it more than six times over.

Modeled Price Bands for XRP Through 2030 Bands are models, not promises, and nobody should read them any other way. Take one modeled price, apply it across the roughly 62.7 billion XRP in circulation, and a market cap falls out. Dividing today’s cap by today’s price is where that supply figure comes from.

Printing the implied value keeps an XRP price forecast honest, because a higher price always needs a deeper pile of money underneath it.

Path

Modeled XRP price

Market cap that implies

What has to happen

Flat drift

$1.30

$81.5 billion

Flows hold steady with nothing new to price in

XRP Price Prediction 2026

$1.80

$112.9 billion

Large caps win back a share of risk budgets

Back at the record

$3.65

$228.9 billion

Buying pressure equal to the July 2025 top

Long-term 2030 band

$5.00

$313.5 billion

Years of steady payment adoption

XRP Price Prediction 2040

$8.00

$501.6 billion

A far larger crypto market than today

Read those last two rows twice. Ripple’s token at $5.00 would outweigh Ethereum’s present $226.6 billion. Years of adoption stand between here and there, which is why a sober XRP outlook rarely shows quick multiples.

Prices that big need buyers to match. For the longer horizon, our earlier XRP outlook sets out the thinking behind these rows.

What Would Have to Change for XRP to Climb Payment volume, fresh listings and general risk appetite move Ripple’s token. Direction comes from Bitcoin first at $62,971, with altcoins following weeks or months behind. Today’s tape is quietly green.

Chainlink added 5.5 percent to $9.31, Polkadot rose 3.7 percent to $0.775, and Avalanche gained 3.6 percent to $6.58. XRP slipped 0.1 percent. Small daily moves are simply normal for a $62.8 billion asset.

Will XRP go up from here? Over a long enough window most models say yes, and the pace matters more than the direction. Cardano eased 1.7 percent to $0.1785 and Litecoin lost 1.4 percent to $44.00, so large caps are not moving as one block.

An XRP news prediction can flip inside a week when a listing or a court date lands. Patience is the entry fee on a coin this size.

Faster movement usually comes from somewhere smaller. That is why the meme coins buyers are choosing now keep appearing next to XRP in the same portfolio. Meme tokens are worth $24.86 billion together today, with $1.02 billion changing hands in 24 hours.

Sectors that small tend to react first when money rotates.

$BULLSKI Occupies the Far Smaller Side of the Market Bullski is a meme coin, and its token follows the ERC-20 standard on Ethereum. Supply stops at 120 billion and cannot grow. Its sale climbs a 16-stage ladder, and every rung costs more than the one before.

Buyers cleared stage 1 at $0.00001. Today the sale sits at stage 2 and $0.000015, with $0.00002 published as stage 3. Readers can check how Bullski prices each stage before spending a cent.

Forty percent of the supply is set aside for presale buyers across those rungs. An audit is in process, the contract is verified on Etherscan, and liquidity locks at launch. Holders earn from day one, because staking and referral rewards keep paying out for as long as the sale is open.

Team tokens are vested. Printed on the site, the listing reference is $0.0025.

Good to know: rungs here advance when they sell out, never on a clock. That is why stage 1 filling at $0.00001 pushed the sale forward on its own.

Buy $BULLSKI at $0.000015 Before Stage Three Stage 1 sold out at $0.00001, and a full opening rung is the clearest demand signal a young sale can give. Today stage 2 asks $0.000015. Above that, $0.00002 is published as stage 3, which is a third more for the same token.

Nobody controls the moment a rung fills, so the live counter is the only honest guide to what is on offer.

Buy $BULLSKI at $0.000015: three things stand between a reader and the stage two price. You need ETH, BNB or USDT in a wallet you control, the official site in front of you, and the counter confirming which rung is live. Take $0.000015 while it is still on the board.

Tokens are claimable once the sale closes, and staking runs in the meantime.

XRP and $BULLSKI Questions Answered How Do I Buy $BULLSKI at $0.000015? Any Ethereum wallet you control works, funded with ETH, BNB or USDT. A live stage counter runs on the official site, and from there you can buy $BULLSKI at the stage two price of $0.000015. Tokens are claimable after the sale closes.

Above it, $0.00002 is already listed as stage 3, so this rung is the cheaper one.

Will XRP Go Up by 2030? Most modeled paths point higher across that span, though the pace is the real question. Ripple’s token would need $228.9 billion in market value simply to retest $3.65. Payment adoption and broad risk appetite decide the rest.

Nothing about the XRP future is settled, so size any position with that in mind.

How High Will XRP Go in a Strong Cycle? A $5.00 print would put XRP near $313.5 billion, above where Ethereum trades today at $226.6 billion. Several years of growth could deliver it. One hot season could not.

Any XRP prediction above that row asks the entire market to expand first.

What Will XRP Be Worth in 2030? Nobody knows, and every figure above is a model rather than a fact. Our bands run from $1.30 to $8.00, and that gap is wide on purpose. XRP sat at $1.002 on August 16, 2026, so even the middle rows ask for years of steady demand.

For More Information Website: Visit the official Bullski website at bullski.io

Telegram: Join the Bullski Telegram channel at t.me/BullskiCoinOfficial

X (Twitter): Follow Bullski on X at x.com/bullskicoin

Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/04/25/xrp-price-prediction-bitwises-cio-predicts-xrp-will-hit-29/

XRP, the native token of Ripple’s cross-border payments network, is currently near its 52-week low of $1.00, according to recent market data. The token has seen a steep decline from higher levels earlier this year, reflecting broader sell-off trends in the cryptocurrency market. Observers have noted that XRP is currently below key moving averages and is holding at the critical psychological support level of $1.00. A breach below this level could potentially indicate further downside pressure for the token. Additionally, ongoing regulatory uncertainties, particularly concerning the U.S. CLARITY Act, are contributing to market apprehensions.

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Key Takeaways XRP appears to be facing significant downside pressure as it sits near its 52-week low. Current pricing suggests that market participants are considering the impact of broader crypto-market weakness and regulatory uncertainty. The market appears to view XRP’s position below key moving averages as a potential indicator of further declines. What to Watch Markets are closely monitoring whether XRP will maintain its $1.00 support level or breach it, which could be consistent with scenarios suggesting further declines. Key actors such as Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and the U.S. SEC might influence market sentiment based on regulatory developments or strategic announcements. Additionally, market participants will be watching for macroeconomic indicators, such as Bitcoin’s price movements and U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate policies, which could impact broader crypto-market dynamics and XRP’s performance.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h September 30, 2026 0.8% — — View market → December 31, 2026 5.3% — — View market →

https://www.amazon.com/Cryptochips-Ripple-Physical-Commemorative-Cryptocurrency/dp/B09CWCKQ7X

XRP has experienced a surge in negative social sentiment, reaching a three-month high, according to data from Santiment reported by CoinDesk. Despite the rise in negative commentary, the XRP Ledger has recorded a notable increase in daily active addresses, with 49,929 reported, marking the highest level in more than two months. This divergence highlights a complex scenario where social sentiment is declining, yet network participation on the XRP Ledger is on the rise. The asset is currently below $1.00, reflecting a potential disconnect between market sentiment and on-chain activity.

The pricing in prediction markets appears to be reacting to these mixed indicators. The odds of XRP reaching $3.00 in August have decreased, with the market currently assigning a low probability to this outcome. The recent uptick in negative sentiment seems to be influencing market confidence, overshadowing the positive on-chain metrics observed on the XRP Ledger.

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Market participants may be weighing these factors as they navigate the XRP price predictions. The latest data suggests a challenging environment for XRP, as the increase in active addresses may not be enough to counteract the prevailing negative sentiment in the social space.

Key Takeaways

The recent data suggests a rise in negative social sentiment towards XRP, consistent with a decrease in confidence about its price reaching $3.00.
Despite the negativity, the XRP Ledger has seen a significant increase in daily active addresses, indicating strong network engagement.
Market pricing implies a cautious outlook on XRP’s price performance, with low probabilities assigned to significant price increases in August.

What to Watch
Observers will focus on whether XRP can maintain its network activity levels amid declining sentiment. Key developments, such as regulatory news or major partnerships, could shift the current sentiment landscape. Market participants will be closely monitoring any potential catalysts that could alter the pricing outlook, including SEC decisions or broader crypto market trends. A sustained change in social sentiment or on-chain activity could influence market perceptions significantly.

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Term Structure

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Ripple could drive a major rally in $XRP if regulatory clarity is achieved as early as September, according to industry analyst Paul Barron. In a recently published video discussion hosted by Digital Asset Investor, Barron explored what a shift in the regulatory environment might mean for the cryptocurrency’s future price movement.

Forecast hinges on regulatory outcomeBarron, a recognized commentator in the digital asset space, described clearer regulations as a possible catalyst for what he called “unlocking” XRP’s next big price move. He emphasized that the scenario depends on regulatory decisions expected later this year, and cautioned viewers not to assume September clarity as a certainty despite optimism from his research team.

“Where might XRP be in September or October if the regulatory clarity does arrive and Ripple is able to take advantage of it?” Barron asked, framing the conversation around the possible release of demand currently held back by legal ambiguity.

The focus on regulatory clarity comes as Ripple continues to navigate legal disputes and seeks to launch new initiatives that have reportedly been delayed until there is greater certainty around compliance requirements.

Mini dictionary: Ripple is a technology company specializing in real-time gross settlement systems and cross-border payment solutions. Its digital asset, XRP, is used to facilitate these transactions.

50%–100% upside predicted by analystsA fellow speaker in the Digital Asset Investor video estimated that XRP could climb between 50% and 100% in value if the regulatory breakthrough occurs. He noted that such a rally is significant, but not unfeasible within the outlined scenario, explaining that these figures are “not a ridiculous number.”

“XRP could post a 50% to 100% gain if Ripple secures regulatory clarity. That projection isn’t outlandish given the current uncertainty suppressing activity in the market.”

The projected gains remain entirely conditional on government action and do not represent any established price target or a guarantee of approval this September. Barron, while referencing his research team’s projections, reiterated his skepticism regarding the timeline, making it clear that the discussion is speculative.

ScenarioEstimated XRP UpsideRegulatory clarity in September50% to 100%No regulatory clarityUndeterminedDigital Asset Investor signals potential for moreDigital Asset Investor, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency commentary space, responded even more optimistically during the video. After the analyst’s estimate of a 50%–100% rally, Digital Asset Investor suggested that such gains would be “peanuts” for XRP if current conditions change.

According to Digital Asset Investor, the actual price surge could be far greater if Ripple can advance its initiatives upon receiving regulatory permission.

He signaled that resolved legal and regulatory issues may not only lift restrictions but also generate additional demand and broader market activity for the asset.

Mini dictionary: Digital Asset Investor is an online media personality known for focused coverage and analysis of cryptocurrencies, especially XRP and ongoing regulatory developments.

Market outlook conditional on regulatory clarityThe analysts’ projections rely almost exclusively on regulatory clarity occurring in the timeframe under discussion. There are currently no guarantees that such clarity will be achieved by September or that any resulting rally would materialize to the predicted extent.

Ultimately, the panel described a hypothetical scenario, emphasizing that Ripple’s pending developments and potential product releases would only move forward if a suitable regulatory environment emerges.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

Ripple’s XRP has maintained a price floor at $1 despite continued bearish sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market. The token, which serves as the native asset for Ripple’s payment network, has generally remained above this key level, apart from a brief drop on August 11. This behavior contrasts with previous bear market cycles, during which XRP frequently traded under $0.50.

Strong support linked to recent developmentsMarket analysts attribute the robust $1 support to significant buying activity after Ripple resolved its high-profile lawsuit with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last year. Following the legal settlement, many traders established positions around the $1 mark, forming a solid price base for the asset.

Compared to earlier downtrends, XRP’s stability above $1 suggests increased confidence among its holders. Previously, the coin struggled to stay above half its current value during adverse market conditions.

XRP has refused to fall below the $1 mark, except for a brief moment on August 11, demonstrating the resilience it has found in the current market cycle compared to previous years.

Market outlook and potential entry pointThe cryptocurrency market could be nearing the end of its current bearish phase. Bitcoin (BTC), which often sets the tone for other digital assets, is now trading close to its cost of production—a level historically associated with market bottoms. As BTC begins to recover, assets such as XRP typically track its upward momentum.

Some observers suggest that current conditions may present a favorable entry point for XRP. Historically, the asset has not remained below $1 for long, and buying near existing support levels could prove profitable if the market trend reverses in the coming months or years.

Mini dictionary: Cost of production, a reference point in mining economics representing the average expense incurred to mine a single Bitcoin. When the market price approaches this level, it often signals a price floor since miners become less willing to sell below cost, influencing overall market supply.

ETF launches and investment outlookLast year, several spot ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) featuring XRP were launched. ETFs commonly drive bullish sentiment by broadening access to cryptocurrencies for traditional investors. However, XRP’s ETF debut coincided with the ongoing bear market, limiting immediate positive impacts on price.

If broader market conditions improve, analysts anticipate that renewed inflows into XRP-linked ETFs could fuel future price growth. In the previous cycle, rising ETF participation helped propel Bitcoin and Ethereum to new all-time highs. Market participants expect that XRP might echo this trajectory if favorable trends continue.

If market recovery is underway and ETF inflows accelerate, buying XRP at $1 could turn out to be a well-timed move, especially if historical patterns repeat.

CryptocurrencySupport Level (Previous Cycle)Support Level (Current Cycle)ETF Launch ImpactXRPBelow $0.50$1Limited (Bear market)Bitcoin (BTC)$16,000 (approx.)Cost of production zoneStrong (All-time high surge)Ethereum (ETH)$900 (approx.)$2,000+Strong (All-time high surge)Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

XRP price has steadied near $1 as whale transfers to Binance fell to their lowest level since 2021, although weak demand and bearish chart signals continue to limit a recovery.

Summary

XRP price traded near $1.00 after losing about 3.2% over the past seven days.
Binance whale inflows fell to $61 million on a three-month average.
Daily RSI remained weak at 36, while the 4-hour MACD showed early improvement.
Liquidation clusters between $1.02 and $1.05 could attract price during a rebound.

XRP price remains under pressure near $1
CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost reported that the three-month average of XRP whale inflows to Binance has dropped to about $61 million, its lowest reading since 2021.

The figure stood at $456 million in January 2025 and $355 million in October 2025. Current transfers are therefore six to eight times lower than the peaks recorded last year, according to the analyst.

Reduced exchange deposits usually mean fewer tokens are immediately available for sale. Darkfost described the decline as a positive development for XRP but warned that lower selling activity alone cannot confirm a bullish reversal.

Net flows remain positive at roughly $18.8 million, meaning large deposits are still exceeding withdrawals. Darkfost also said the slowdown fits a market-wide decline in exchange inflows and trading volume, with selling pressure fading before demand has fully recovered.

XRP traded around $1.00 at the time of writing, little changed over 24 hours, but down approximately 3.2% during the past week. The token has a market capitalization of about $62.8 billion and nearly $900 million in daily trading volume.

XRP price has repeatedly moved above and below $1 since Aug. 11. The latest dip reached approximately $0.988 before buyers returned, but the recovery stopped near $1.01.

Daily XRP chart keeps sellers in control
The daily chart shows XRP trading below the Bollinger Bands’ 20-day middle line at $1.0446. Staying below that average leaves the short-term structure tilted toward sellers, even though the price is approaching the lower band at $0.9866.

XRP price daily chart — Aug. 15 | Source: crypto.news
The daily relative strength index stood at 36.02, below its signal average of 39.21. The reading shows weak momentum but remains above the conventional oversold threshold of 30, leaving room for another decline before the indicator reaches an extreme.

A close below the $0.9866 lower Bollinger Band would weaken the $1 support case and expose the area around $0.95. The chart has not established a clear daily reversal pattern, with lower highs and lower lows continuing from XRP’s May peak.

For a recovery, buyers first need to reclaim the Bollinger middle line near $1.045. The upper band at $1.1025 would become the next target if the price closes above that level and trading activity rises.

The narrow distance between the current price and the lower band also creates the possibility of a short-term bounce. Such a move would remain corrective unless XRP breaks above its declining daily average and holds the gain.

Falling wedge offers an early recovery setup
On the 4-hour chart, XRP has moved inside a falling wedge formed after the July 21 high near $1.165. Price is now close to the point where the two descending trendlines converge, making a breakout increasingly likely as the available trading range contracts.

XRP price 4-hour chart — Aug. 15 | Source: crypto.news
The first nearby barrier sits at the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement around $1.024. A breakout above the wedge and this level would open a path toward $1.055, followed by $1.076.

Higher resistance appears near $1.097 and $1.123. XRP would need to clear the entire sequence before it could challenge the July high around $1.165.

4-hour momentum has started to improve. The MACD line stood near minus 0.0054, above the signal line at minus 0.0060, while the histogram turned slightly positive at 0.0006. The crossover points to easing downside momentum rather than a confirmed trend change because both lines remain below zero.

Chaikin Money Flow remained negative at minus 0.09, showing that capital flows still favor sellers. A wedge breakout accompanied by CMF moving above zero would provide firmer evidence that buyers are returning.

Failure to leave the wedge could push XRP back toward $0.986. A confirmed 4-hour close below the lower trendline would invalidate the recovery setup and increase the risk of a move toward $0.98 or $0.95.

Liquidation map places XRP targets above $1
CoinGlass’ one-week liquidation heatmap shows several leveraged-position clusters above the current price. The nearest liquidity is concentrated around $1.01, followed by larger pockets between $1.02 and $1.03.

XRP liquidation heatmap | Source: CoinGlass
The strongest overhead concentrations appear near $1.03 and from approximately $1.045 to $1.05. Since price often moves toward areas holding large leveraged positions, a rebound could accelerate as short liquidations are triggered across these levels.

Additional liquidity below the market is visible near $0.98 to $0.99. A loss of $1 could therefore pull XRP toward that zone before buyers receive another chance to defend the daily lower Bollinger Band.

For US investors trading during the weekend, thinner liquidity may increase sudden moves around the $1 level. The charts place $0.986 as the immediate downside boundary, while a move through $1.024 would offer the first technical sign that XRP is breaking out of its month-long decline.

Falling Binance whale inflows reduce one source of possible selling, but Darkfost’s data and the negative daily structure reach the same conclusion: XRP still needs fresh buying demand before a lasting recovery can begin.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

XRP, the digital asset developed by Ripple Labs, has slipped below the $1 mark, drawing fresh attention from market observers and technical analysts. ChartNerd, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst, shared an updated price outlook for XRP via a recent post on X.

XRP faces key resistance after breaking below $1ChartNerd stated that the period marked by market anticipation about XRP dropping below $1 has ended. However, the analyst cautioned that XRP could still see further downside before mounting a sustainable rebound.

According to ChartNerd, a correction of 10% to 20% remains possible unless the token recovers a crucial resistance band between $1.30 and $1.60. The analyst argued that surpassing this price range is vital for altering the current bearish trend and restoring positive momentum in the short term.

“If price cannot recover prior resistance between $1.30/60, $0.90/$0.70 remains the sweet spot.” ChartNerd pointed to $0.90 and $0.70 as significant support zones if the downward trend persists and recovery efforts fall short.

This forecast highlights major levels for investors to watch, as continued selling could push XRP towards these downside targets if broader sentiment does not improve soon.

Resistance ZoneSupport LevelsPotential Correction$1.30–$1.60$0.90, $0.7010%–20%Market cycle analysis and technical indicatorsThe chart shared by ChartNerd compared XRP’s current market pattern with previous cycle lows from years such as 2017, 2020, and 2023. The analysis draws on these historical points to identify what may be another significant cycle low developing at present.

A momentum indicator featured on the chart signals that downward price movement could be exhausted or nearing a turning point. However, ChartNerd emphasized that this does not guarantee XRP will decline all the way to $0.70. Rather, these levels are considered areas to monitor should XRP fail to reclaim the highlighted resistance range.

Mini dictionary: Momentum indicator – A technical analysis tool that measures the strength and speed of a price movement, commonly used to identify potential trend reversals or continuation points.

Overall, the analyst continues to use past cycles and technical readings to frame expectations, while cautioning that no single level is guaranteed.

Reactions from XRP holders and traders have been divided. Some market participants, such as a user called GreenerTomorrow, dismissed the likelihood of XRP hitting $0.70, while suggesting that entering near $0.90 could seem fortunate if prices recover quickly.

Others, including a commenter identified as Sarah, acknowledged fading optimism in XRP and suggested that a longer period of waiting may still lie ahead for those hoping to see higher price levels.

Different perspectives among investors reflect uncertainty over whether the current support will hold or if XRP will face another major downturn before regaining upward momentum.

ChartNerd’s analysis places notable importance on XRP overcoming the $1.30–$1.60 resistance band. Until such a recovery occurs, the risk of a further 10%–20% correction remains, with $0.90 and $0.70 seen as critical downside areas in the event of continued selling pressure.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

THE STREET: 209-year-old bank reveals XRP holdings

XRP, one of the most closely watched digital assets, continues to see significant interest from traders and analysts, despite a notable disconnect between its market price and the valuation of Ripple, the San Francisco-based fintech company behind the cryptocurrency. Industry observers have highlighted the gap as a potential catalyst for major repricing in the coming months.

The $50 billion gap between Ripple and XRPRipple, known for its blockchain-based payment solutions for global financial institutions, holds a private valuation of $50 billion. However, according to Digital Asset Investor, an advocate and analyst within the crypto community, the current market price of XRP fails to reflect Ripple’s sizable corporate valuation. “The market hasn’t priced in the gap yet,” he explained, suggesting that when this discrepancy is eventually addressed, it could drive XRP towards new all-time highs.

Analyst Modern Investor set a target for XRP at $28, while Digital Asset Investor voiced his agreement with the outlook. He stated his expectation for a major move, emphasizing, “I think it’s going to $28 a coin and some.”

Digital Asset Investor predicts that the disconnect between Ripple’s $50 billion valuation and XRP’s current price has not been factored into the market, and he expects that future regulatory shifts could trigger a powerful price movement for the asset.

September repricing and regulatory clarityThe potential for XRP’s repricing ties closely to anticipated regulatory developments. In a recent discussion, a guest speaking with digital media personality Paul Barron outlined a scenario where clearer digital asset regulations may emerge in September or October. Under these conditions, he estimated that XRP could see a 50 to 100 percent price increase. Digital Asset Investor, meanwhile, holds that the upside may be even greater.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair Brian Quintenz has indicated the agency will proceed to advance crypto market structure regulation, regardless of whether the CLARITY Act passes through Congress. Digital Asset Investor interpreted this as a sign that the SEC and CFTC could move forward independently, accelerating regulatory developments around XRP and similar assets.

Mini dictionary: CLARITY Act – A proposed US legislative bill aiming to clarify the regulatory treatment of digital assets, particularly distinguishing which assets are considered securities or commodities. Its progress is seen as influential for the broader crypto market.

Whale accumulation amid falling pricesOn-chain data suggests that large investors, often referred to as whales, are steadily increasing their positions in XRP. Information from blockchain analytics platform Santiment indicates that in the last three months, the number of XRP wallets holding at least 1 million tokens grew by 32. This accumulation trend occurred while XRP’s overall market capitalization dropped by 29 percent.

Such behavior is notable, as major holders are expanding their exposure during periods of price weakness. This divergence between whale activity and falling market cap is viewed by analysts as an important indicator of future movement.

PeriodXRP Whale Wallets (+1M XRP)XRP Market Cap ChangeLast 3 months+32 wallets-29%
As large holders continue to accumulate XRP despite recent declines, analysts see this as a potentially significant signal for price action in the near future.

Institutional adoption and XLS-96Besides price and regulatory speculation, technical upgrades are also drawing interest. Digital Asset Investor discussed XLS-96, a proposed amendment to the XRP Ledger that introduces confidential transfers. This feature would allow for encrypted balances and transaction amounts, addressing privacy needs that have previously limited institutional participation.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has identified privacy as a key factor in attracting large institutions to public blockchain networks like XRP Ledger. Other voices in the community, such as analyst Evernorth, regard XLS-96 as an important step toward enabling more private and secure institutional transactions on XRP.

Mini dictionary: XLS-96 – A proposed update to the XRP Ledger enabling confidential transfers of Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs). It aims to enhance transactional privacy for institutional and enterprise users while maintaining compliance and auditability.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

According to Santiment data, investor sentiment towards XRP has fallen to its most negative level in the last three months as the price has failed to show the expected recovery. Comments on Reddit, Telegram, and other crypto communities reveal that individual investors are becoming significantly pessimistic about XRP.

Santiment noted that the XRP price falling back below the $1 level could increase pressure on individual investors. According to the company, given the current price outlook, it wouldn’t be surprising if negative sentiment on social media continues in the short term.

However, on-chain activity on the XRP Ledger paints a different picture than price and sentiment. In the last 24 hours, 49,929 active addresses were registered on the XRP network. This figure represents the highest number of active addresses seen on the network in over two months.

Santiment noted that XRP Ledger activity was near its lowest levels since 2026 in early July, and stated that the recent surge could be a significant counter-signal for the market.

According to the platform, the simultaneous occurrence of strong on-chain participation and extremely negative investor sentiment creates a scenario that XRP bulls will want to follow. Santiment claims that if XRP maintains its current technical structure and demand regains strength, the pessimism prevailing today could be seen as a “buying opportunity at a discount” by cryptocurrency users in the future.

*This is not investment advice.

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XRP price remains above the crucial $1 support despite a mild cryptocurrency market pullback. Network activity reached a two-month high, supporting cautious optimism. 

Bitcoin price trades below $63,000, while Ethereum stays under $1,900. Holding $1 could preserve XRP’s recovery outlook and encourage another short-term rebound attempt.

XRP Open Interest Climbs to $2.74B as Trader Participation Grows
The activity in XRP derivatives was also bolstered by the rise in trading volume of 16.52 to reach $1.55 billion which indicated expanded participation in the markets.

Open interest increased 1.41%  to $2.74 billion, indicating traders held larger positions in the XRP derivatives markets.

Source: Coinglass data
The more pronounced volume growth indicates an increase in short-term activity, whereas the growing open interest indicates that derivatives traders are still confident.

Is XRP Price Preparing for a Rebound as Network Activity Reaches a Two-Month High?
XRP was under increased pressure this week as declining prices drove retail sentiment to the lowest point in three months. The worsening mood followed XRP’s failure to sustain a recovery, with its market value falling below the important $1 level.

The activity of the XRP Ledger was adjusted in the opposite direction, which formed a significant contrast with the negative view of social perspectives. One 24-hour period shows that the network captured 49,929 active addresses, according to data provided by Santiment. 

Santiment data
The amount was the largest daily activity level recorded on the XRP Ledger in over 2 months. Previously activity had dropped down to yearly lows in July, and the recent increase was a substantial shift in network participation.

Can XRP Price Hold $1 Support and Target $1.05 Next?
At the time of writing, the XRP price traded at $1.002, following a prolonged decline from July’s highs. The token is close to the psychological support of $1.00 that the trading has been stabilized at recently.

XRP continues to trade below the $1.02 resistance level on the four-hour timeframe. This wall served as a support prior to the recent collapse.

The Relative Strength Index is at 41.57; the value indicates upward momentum, but XRP is still below the neutral 50 value.

The MACD line, meanwhile, is at negative 0.0055. It has crossed the signal line at negative 0.006.

Source: TradingView
The histogram has turned slightly positive at 0.0005, indicating an early bullish crossover. Nevertheless, the two lines are below zero, and the recovery signal is still weak.

The short-term upside objective is at $1.02 where the XRP has been repeatedly rejected. Four hour close above this may justify a rise to $1.05.

Further gains above $1.05 may open the path toward $1.08 and $1.10. These positions were formerly valuable consolidation points in July.

On the negative side, the most significant near-term support is still $1.0. A break under it may put XRP at risk of being exposed at $0.98. Further fall below $0.98 can drive the price to the $0.95 support level.

Cover image via U.Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Solana (SOL) is now available on the XRP Ledger DEX, Hussein Zangana (Vet), XRP Ledger Foundation director of community, revealed in a recent post. Wrapped and issued by Axelar, this move connects Solana and the XRP Ledger.

As the XRP DEX is native, users will be able to access Solana on XRP Ledger-based platforms. They can swap SOL on the XRPL DEX through the XPMarket, First Ledger, and Magnetic platforms. They can also access SOL directly within Xaman Wallet through the Swap widget.

The move follows a trend that has increased since 2025 and continues in 2026, opening up new paths for several assets to move across chains, with XRP having gone live on Solana earlier.

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Wrapped XRP (wXRP), issued by Hex Trust, went live on Solana in April, making the token available for the first time through Solana's DeFi apps (Jupiter, Phantom, Titan Exchange, and Meteora). wXRP, which is tradable with RLUSD, can be used on supported blockchains, including Solana, Optimism, Ethereum, and HyperEVM.

Warning issuedWith a new interoperability milestone unlocked with Solana now available on the XRPL DEX, Vet issued a crucial warning to the XRP community. He noted that currently Axelar is the only legitimate issuer of Wrapped SOL, urging XRPL users to beware of fake tokens.

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Vet added that platforms that support Wrapped SOL on the XRPL, including XPMarket, First Ledger, Magnetic, and Xaman Wallet, have given the token a checkmark to make it easier to identify. He shared a screenshot from XRPScan to explain what he meant.

As seen in the screenshot, the account name or the issuer is listed as Axelar Bridge with a checkmark. This will enable users to differentiate the original issuer from fake ones, which are those without a checkmark.

However, users should not rely only on the token name or the ticker. They should verify the issuer address and cross-check with reliable sources before trading.

Hugo Philion, co-founder and CEO of Flare, said Sentora, a major DeFi resource and risk management platform, approved FXRP as an eligible collateral asset.

Philion made the comments in a recent interview with Paul Barron on the Paul Barron Network, where they discussed XRP’s growing use in decentralized finance.

During the interview, Paul Barron noted that XRP ranks around fourth among cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with a market value of about $70 billion. 

However, he pointed out that XRP does not yet have the same role in on-chain lending as Ethereum. According to him, wrapped Bitcoin and stablecoins have already shown how crypto assets can be used as collateral in DeFi.

Barron said this could allow large amounts of idle capital to become more useful. He then asked Philion whether this new use case could help expand XRP’s market base.

Flare Expands XRP Lending Philion said he believes the development should help expand XRP’s market base. He also said Flare has played a leading role in making XRP a collateral asset and has so far seen strong results in this area. 

According to Philion, this progress benefits the XRP community, Ripple, and investors who see XRP as an asset worth holding.

The Flare CEO then highlighted the difference between Flare’s current lending setup and the upcoming XLS-66 protocol. 

He explained that Flare’s integration with Morpho on mainnet and Sentora allows users to borrow RLUSD, with other stablecoins potentially added later, using XRP as collateral. 

With this, a user could provide $1.50 worth of XRP and borrow $1. He said this gives XRP holders a direct way to put their tokens into a lending market and borrow against them. 

However, XLS-66 works differently because it focuses on uncollateralized lending. This method would allow borrowers to arrange their credit rating or payment guarantee off-chain. 

As a result, Philion said XLS-66 does not provide the same function as Flare’s system, where users can use XRP to borrow dollars. He added that Flare plans to keep expanding this market and develop more products around XRP as collateral.

FXRP Addresses Bridge Risks Barron then called attention to the risks involved in using other crypto assets in DeFi. According to him, there are extra risks that can come from wrapping agents and F-assets, as well as the bridge risks involved when assets move between networks. He asked Philion what Flare had done to reduce these risks.

Responding, Philion said scams remain one of the biggest risks users face, especially on Twitter (now X), where fake accounts often pretend to represent Flare and other projects. As for the bridge itself, he said Flare has tested it extensively and designed its structure with security in mind.

Philion then mentioned Sentora’s review as an important sign of confidence. He said Sentora spent several months carrying out due diligence on FXRP, while many of its partner exchanges also reviewed the asset. 

The reviews covered how the bridge operates and how FXRP moves onto Ethereum. After completing those checks, Sentora approved FXRP as an eligible collateral asset.

Philion noted that the decision was a major sign of confidence because Sentora ranks among the largest curators in the DeFi sector. 

Because losses could directly affect its business, the Flare co-founder said Sentora has a strong reason to examine the risks carefully before supporting an asset. As a result, he saw its approval of FXRP as an important vote of confidence.

FXRP Expands Across DeFi FXRP launched on the Flare mainnet on September 24, 2025, as the first asset under the FAssets protocol. Flare initially capped minting at 5 million tokens during the first week, which filled almost immediately.

By February 2026, FXRP’s circulating supply had passed 100 million tokens, worth about $140.10 million at the time. Users had minted the tokens through 38,030 transactions, with more than 60% of the supply staked in Flare-native DeFi protocols.

Flare also launched the first XRP spot market on Hyperliquid in January 2026 through an FXRP/USDH pair. FXRP later expanded to the Yellow Network and Coinbase’s Base chain. At press time, Flare held nearly $150 million worth of XRP tokens, while $58 million remained staked on Firelight.

FXRP Current Stats DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

Ripple, a prominent blockchain company known for the development of the XRP cryptocurrency, is set to attend a key meeting at the White House on Wednesday. The event signals renewed engagement between the crypto industry and senior US officials on regulatory and policy matters.

Major industry players at the tableAlongside Ripple, other major participants in the digital asset sector will be present, including leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, venture capital giant a16z (Andreessen Horowitz), blockchain oracle provider Chainlink, and investment firm Paradigm. Each of these companies holds significant influence across various segments of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The meeting will also feature important regulatory figures. Paul Atkins, current Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Michael Selig, Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), are expected to participate in the discussions.

Mini dictionary: Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network designed to securely connect smart contracts with real-world data and external blockchains.

Ripple, Coinbase, a16z, Chainlink, and Paradigm will sit with top US regulators, including SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Michael Selig, at the White House to discuss digital asset policy.

Ongoing White House engagementThis is not the first time Ripple or its senior leaders have joined White House events focused on digital assets. In early 2025, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse took part in the White House Digital Assets Summit, which marked the administration’s initial presidential gathering dedicated to crypto policy. That summit brought together a small group of executives, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev, and MicroStrategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor.

Ripple also sent representatives to the White House during the July signing of the GENIUS Act, a bill focused on stablecoin regulation, further highlighting its active role in shaping industry policy at the highest levels.

Earlier this year, Ripple participated in another significant White House summit on digital assets, according to recent industry reports.

Lobbying efforts and legislative discussionsDespite brief tension over lobbying procedures last year, Ripple has maintained access to the White House. The friction arose after Ballard Partners, one of Ripple’s lobbyists, bypassed specific access requirements, but the company was not excluded from future engagements.

Recent months have seen the White House prioritize digital asset legislation, including bills like the CLARITY Act. The act has received persistent backing from the administration, but did not secure a final Senate vote before the August recess. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has now scheduled a procedural vote for September 15.

Bill nameStatusKey dateCLARITY ActAwaiting Senate procedural voteSeptember 15GENIUS ActSigned (focus on stablecoins)JulyIn July, White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt responded to a less optimistic outlook from Thune by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to advancing digital asset reforms. Witt and other senior officials have reportedly taken an active role in ongoing negotiations with Republican senators, seeking consensus on controversial aspects of the legislation.

White House adviser Patrick Witt and senior officials have engaged with Republican senators to reach agreement on the most disputed provisions of the digital asset bill.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

A $550,000 community audit contest uncovered two critical vulnerabilities in XRP Ledger features that could have drained user accounts without private keys. The findings reveal how Ripple’s audit-before-release model diverges sharply from the broader crypto industry’s patch-after-exploit norm.

Summary

Sherlock’s two-week audit contest, which opened on April 13, 2026, uncovered 96 valid vulnerabilities across five proposed XRP Ledger amendments, including 2 critical and 6 high-severity bugs, before any of them reached mainnet. Ripple paid $309,000 in RLUSD bounties from a $550,000 prize pool, marking the first collaboration between Sherlock and Ripple and one of the largest audit contests of 2026. The most severe finding was a signature-validation flaw in the Batch amendment that would have allowed attackers to execute transactions from any account without holding its private keys, first identified on February 19, 2026, by researcher Pranamya Keshkamat and Cantina’s AI tool Apex. A separate critical bug in Permission Delegation allowed malicious actors to silently drain XRP balances through repeated fee charges on invalid delegated transactions, because the code checked permissions before verifying signatures. DeFi exploits exceeded $840 million across more than 50 incidents in the first five months of 2026 alone, a 70% year-over-year increase, and 70% of exploited contracts had been audited but lacked post-deployment monitoring. XRP Ledger version 3.3.0 shipped on August 6, 2026, carrying five proposed amendments and a bundled cleanup patch. On paper it looked like a routine infrastructure release. Underneath, the update represented the conclusion of a six-month security gauntlet that caught two account-draining bugs, rewrote two entire feature implementations from scratch, and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to outside researchers who found problems the internal team had missed. The process raises a pointed question for the wider blockchain industry: if Ripple can catch critical flaws before deployment, why does so much of crypto still treat security audits as a post-launch checkbox?

This piece breaks down what the two critical vulnerabilities actually were at a technical level, examines how the audit-vote-activate pipeline compares to competing chains’ security models, and assesses whether the findings strengthen or undermine the case for XRPL as institutional-grade infrastructure.

What the Sherlock contest actually found The scope covered five pillars of upcoming XRPL functionality: Batch Transactions, Permission Delegation, Multi-Purpose Token (MPT) DEX integration, Confidential Transfers for MPTs, and Sponsored Fees and Reserves. Sherlock, a Web3 security firm that ranks researchers by performance and structures engagements as adversarial contests, opened the audit on April 13, 2026, with a $550,000 RLUSD prize pool. The contest page on Sherlock’s platform listed the engagement as “XRP Ledger – April 2026 Contest – 550,000 RLUSD,” signaling that Ripple paid the bounties in its own stablecoin.

Over two weeks, participants submitted reports that surfaced 96 valid findings: 2 critical, 6 high, 29 medium, and 59 low-severity issues. Ripple distributed $309,000 in RLUSD to contributors. The remaining pool covered Sherlock’s operational costs and lower-tier findings that did not meet the payout threshold.

The contest marked the first formal collaboration between Sherlock and Ripple, and it arrived at a moment when the XRP Ledger’s feature pipeline was expanding faster than at any point in its history. Five amendments shipping simultaneously meant five distinct attack surfaces, each with its own transaction logic, authorization model, and cryptographic requirements. For context, Sherlock’s audit contest model has previously been used by protocols including Aave, Euler, and Olympus DAO, but an engagement covering C++ protocol-level code for a layer-one blockchain was atypical for a platform more commonly associated with Solidity smart contracts.

The severity distribution itself tells a story. The 29 medium-severity findings suggest a category of bugs that would not individually compromise accounts but could create unexpected behavior under specific transaction sequences. The 59 low-severity issues likely include code quality concerns, documentation gaps, and edge cases that could compound under adversarial conditions. The two critical and six high-severity bugs, however, represented exploitable vulnerabilities that warranted immediate remediation.

The Batch amendment bug that could have emptied accounts The most dangerous vulnerability predated the Sherlock contest by two months. On February 19, 2026, security researcher Pranamya Keshkamat and Cantina’s autonomous AI audit tool Apex independently identified a signature-validation flaw in the original Batch amendment while it was still in its validator voting phase.

The technical failure was precise. Batch Transactions allow up to eight operations to execute atomically under a single outer transaction. The outer transaction’s signature-validation code contained an early-exit condition that could be satisfied without properly verifying who was authorizing the inner transactions. In practice, an attacker could have constructed a Batch transaction containing inner Payment operations targeting a victim account, draining it down to its reserve balance, without ever holding that account’s private keys. The same logic gap would have permitted unauthorized AccountSet, TrustSet, or AccountDelete operations.

The vulnerability disclosure report published on xrpl.org detailed the mechanics: the signer check in the outer transaction could pass without confirming that the entity submitting the batch actually controlled the accounts referenced in the inner transactions. This meant that the atomicity feature designed to improve user experience could have been weaponized to empty any account on the network in a single transaction.

RippleX responded with an emergency release. Rippled version 3.1.1, published on February 23, 2026, four days after discovery, marked both the original Batch amendment and its companion fixBatchInnerSigs as unsupported, preventing validators from voting on or activating them. No funds were lost because the amendment had not yet cleared the 80% validator threshold required for activation. The replacement, BatchV1_1, shipped in version 3.3.0 with the early-exit condition removed, additional authorization guards added, and the signing check scope tightened to verify each inner transaction against the correct signer independently.

Permission Delegation’s silent fee-drain exploit The second critical vulnerability operated through a subtler mechanism. A September 2025 disclosure documented how the original Permission Delegation implementation allowed an attacker to silently bleed a victim account’s XRP balance without accessing its keys.

The exploit relied on a design feature of the XRP Ledger’s transaction processing that has existed since the network’s earliest days. On XRPL, a transaction that fails with a “tec”-class error still incurs a fee charge, while errors caught earlier in the pipeline, before signature verification, do not. This distinction exists because tec-class failures indicate transactions that were properly formed and signed but failed for business-logic reasons, and the fee prevents spam. Permission Delegation’s original code checked whether a delegate account held the relevant permission before it verified the transaction’s signature. An attacker could repeatedly submit invalid offline-signed transactions with elevated fees against a delegated account, and each failed transaction would still deduct the fee from the victim’s balance.

The economic impact would have compounded quickly. Because the attacker could set arbitrarily high fees on these transactions, a sustained attack could drain an account far faster than normal transaction fees would suggest. The victim would see their balance declining with no corresponding outbound payments, making the attack difficult to diagnose without examining raw transaction metadata.

The fix reclassified the relevant error from tec to ter and reordered the checks so that no fee can be deducted before signature verification passes. The replacement amendment, PermissionDelegationV1_1, carries a default “No” designation in the 3.3.0 registry, meaning validators must actively vote to enable it. This conservative default reflects the sensitivity of the original flaw: even after the rewrite, Ripple chose to require explicit validator opt-in for the feature.

BREAKING: XRP Ledger sustains over 140 TPS and blocks with up to 987 transactions during today’s big activity wave, maintaining cent-level fees and 3-4 second settlement pic.twitter.com/yaAyCH4wGy

— crypto.news (@cryptodotnews) April 10, 2026 Why both rewrites shipped in a single release Packaging two security-rewritten amendments alongside three entirely new features in one version was a deliberate choice. RippleX published xrpld 3.3.0 on August 6, 2026, with the code for all six proposals (including a bundled cleanup amendment called fixCleanup3_3_0) present but none of them activated. Under the XRP Ledger’s amendment process, each proposal must sustain more than 80% validator support for two consecutive weeks before going live.

This separation between code availability and feature activation is a structural advantage that most smart-contract platforms lack. On Ethereum, a deployed contract is live the moment it hits the blockchain. On XRPL, code can ship, undergo further review during the voting window, and still be blocked if validators lose confidence. The Batch and Permission Delegation rewrites had already survived the Sherlock contest, a Halborn re-audit that found zero critical or high-risk issues, and months of internal testing. The voting period adds yet another layer of defense before any code touches real funds.

The version also retired five legacy amendments, including Clawback, fixDisallowIncomingV1, fixInnerObjTemplate, fixNFTokenReserve, and fixUniversalNumber, removing dead code paths that could otherwise accumulate as latent attack surface over time.

The five feature amendments in 3.3.0 represent the broadest single expansion of XRPL capabilities to date. Confidential Transfers bring EC-ElGamal encryption and zero-knowledge proofs to Multi-Purpose Tokens, shielding individual balances and transfer amounts from public view while preserving compliance access for authorized parties. Sponsored Fees allow applications to cover network costs on behalf of users, addressing the onboarding friction that has kept consumer-facing applications off decentralized networks. DynamicMPT lets issuers modify token properties after creation, supporting evolving regulatory and business requirements. Together with the Batch and Permission Delegation rewrites, these features target a specific audience: regulated financial institutions that need privacy, atomic settlement, and delegated operations without sacrificing auditability.

Audit before release versus patch after exploit The contrast between Ripple’s approach and the broader industry’s security track record is stark. DeFi exploits exceeded $840 million across more than 50 incidents in the first five months of 2026, a 70% year-over-year increase over the same period in 2025. North Korea-linked actors accounted for 76% of global crypto hack losses in the first four months of the year. And the most damning statistic: 70% of exploited contracts had been audited but lacked any form of post-deployment monitoring. Only 4% of tracked projects combined audits, active bug bounties, and third-party monitoring controls together.

The Ethereum ecosystem, home to the largest concentration of smart-contract value, operates under a fundamentally different security model. Contracts deploy to mainnet through an immutable transaction. If a vulnerability surfaces afterward, the options are limited: deploy a new contract and migrate users, implement a proxy upgrade pattern that introduces its own attack surface, or accept the risk. The Wormhole bridge hack of 2022 cost $320 million because a deprecated verification function remained in production code. Ronin’s August 2024 exploit cost $12 million because a contract upgrade failed to initialize operator weights correctly. In both cases, audits had been performed; the failures happened after deployment.

The KelpDAO hack on April 18, 2026, which drained approximately $293 million, was the largest single DeFi exploit of the year. The Drift Protocol exploit on Solana on April 1, which cost roughly $286 million, was the largest ever recorded on that chain. These figures are not fringe events. They represent the baseline failure rate of an industry that has collectively lost $16.69 billion to hacks, bridge exploits, and security incidents according to DeFiLlama data.

XRPL’s amendment voting process inverts this sequence. Code ships in a release, but features remain dormant until validators approve them. During the voting window, researchers, node operators, and competing auditors can examine the live codebase with full context. If a problem surfaces, validators simply withhold their votes. No emergency patch, no migration, no proxy contract. The February 2026 Batch bug followed exactly this path: the amendment was in its voting phase, the vulnerability was identified, and an emergency release prevented activation. Zero funds at risk, zero user impact.

This is not to say that the XRPL model is flawless. The amendment process works for protocol-level features but does not extend to applications built on top of the ledger. A poorly coded trust line or MPT integration could still lose funds. And the 80% validator threshold creates its own risks: if too few validators upgrade to a new version, legitimate security patches can stall. But for core protocol changes, the audit-vote-activate pipeline represents a materially different security posture than deploy-and-hope.

NEW: Coinbase has enabled Trade at Settlement for $XRP futures on May 1, placing XRP alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold and crude oil for institutional block trading pic.twitter.com/d00uPssPxy

— crypto.news (@cryptodotnews) May 3, 2026 What this means for XRPL’s institutional pitch Ripple has spent 2026 building an institutional infrastructure stack at an aggressive pace. The $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a multi-asset prime broker rebranded as Ripple Prime, gave the company a regulated on-ramp for traditional finance. RLUSD reached a $1.72 billion market capitalization in under a year and moved more than $18 billion in transaction volume during Q1 alone. Goldman Sachs disclosed a $153.8 million position across four XRP ETFs. Ripple secured a full Electronic Money Institution license from Luxembourg in February, UK Financial Conduct Authority permissions in January, and a MiCA Crypto-Asset Service Provider license on July 6.

The institutional DeFi features arriving in version 3.3.0 are the technical counterpart to this business development push. Confidential Transfers address the privacy requirements of banks that cannot expose transaction details on a public ledger. Sponsored Fees solve the onboarding friction that has kept retail banking applications off decentralized networks. Permission Delegation, once its rewrite clears the voting process, enables the kind of controlled access models that compliance departments require.

But institutional adoption depends on trust, and trust in blockchain infrastructure ultimately comes down to security track record. The fact that Ripple caught two critical bugs, rewrote two entire feature implementations, paid outside researchers $309,000 to find problems, and still delivered all five features on schedule is a stronger institutional selling point than any individual feature. It suggests a security culture where finding bugs is rewarded and where shipping is subordinate to verification.

Over 300 financial institutions across 55 countries currently use RippleNet, with active On-Demand Liquidity corridors in more than 70 markets. For those institutions, the Sherlock audit results are not abstract. They are evidence that the code running their cross-border payments has been stress-tested by adversarial researchers with financial incentives to break it. Ripple’s four-phase quantum-resistance roadmap, targeting completion by 2028, further signals that the company is engineering for institutional time horizons measured in decades, not deployment cycles.

The opposing case: why skeptics are not convinced The strongest argument against reading too much into the Sherlock audit runs in two directions.

First, finding 96 bugs before release can be framed as evidence of thorough testing or evidence of sloppy development. Both the Batch and Permission Delegation vulnerabilities were in the original implementations, meaning they cleared internal review before external researchers caught them. The February 2026 Batch bug was not identified by Ripple’s own team but by an independent researcher and an AI tool. If external auditors are the primary safety net, the internal development process may have quality gaps that will eventually produce a vulnerability that no external reviewer catches in time.

Second, the XRPL amendment model’s strength, the ability to prevent activation during the voting window, is also a speed constraint. Ethereum’s willingness to deploy and iterate has enabled a pace of innovation that XRPL cannot match. The five amendments in version 3.3.0 have been in development and review cycles for months. The original Batch amendment was proposed in 2025. For protocols competing for developer attention in fast-moving markets, a six-month security pipeline may be too slow to attract the builder ecosystem that drives network effects.

There is also a concentration risk in the validator set. The 80% activation threshold means that a relatively small number of validators, many of which are operated by entities with close ties to Ripple, control whether amendments go live. Critics argue this is not truly decentralized governance but a curated approval process dressed in consensus language. When Ripple’s own validator voted “yes” on lending amendments in recent weeks, it underscored how much influence the company retains over its nominally decentralized network.

Finally, the $309,000 payout from a $550,000 pool raises a practical question about incentive alignment. Top-tier security researchers command rates that exceed what contest models typically pay per hour of effort. If the most skilled auditors skip XRPL contests because the expected payout per finding is lower than private engagements, the adversarial review may be broad but not deep enough to catch the most sophisticated attack vectors.

These objections have weight. XRP traded near $1.03 in late July 2026, roughly 71% below its $3.65 cycle high set on July 17, 2025, suggesting the market has not yet priced in the institutional narrative. Whether the security track record translates into adoption depends on factors beyond code quality: regulatory clarity, competitive positioning against Ethereum layer-2 solutions, and whether institutions care more about pre-deployment audits than they do about ecosystem size.

What to watch Validator voting thresholds for the five 3.3.0 amendments: if BatchV1_1 and PermissionDelegationV1_1 clear 80% support within the first voting cycle, it signals validator confidence in the rewrites. A stall would suggest lingering concerns about the rewritten code.

Post-activation bug reports: the real test of the Sherlock audit’s thoroughness comes after features go live. Zero critical findings in the first 90 days would validate the pre-release model; any post-activation vulnerability would undermine the entire thesis.

RLUSD adoption on Confidential Transfers: institutional stablecoin usage on shielded rails would confirm demand for privacy-compliant settlement. Volume metrics in the first quarter after activation will be the clearest signal of whether banks are ready to transact on a public ledger with privacy guarantees.

Sherlock’s next XRPL engagement: whether Ripple continues with adversarial audit contests for future amendments or reverts to traditional private audits will indicate how deeply the pre-release model is embedded in the development culture.

Competing chain security incidents: every major exploit on Ethereum or Solana that traces back to a post-deployment vulnerability strengthens the case for XRPL’s audit-vote-activate pipeline. The comparison is only as strong as the industry’s continued failure to adopt similar processes.

What did the Sherlock audit of XRP Ledger find? The two-week audit contest, which opened on April 13, 2026, uncovered 96 valid vulnerabilities across five proposed XRPL amendments: 2 critical, 6 high, 29 medium, and 59 low-severity issues. Ripple paid $309,000 in RLUSD bounties from a $550,000 prize pool. All findings were addressed before any of the affected features activated on mainnet.

What was the critical Batch amendment bug? The original Batch amendment contained a signature-validation flaw that allowed an attacker to execute inner transactions from any account without holding its private keys. The bug was an early-exit condition in the outer transaction’s signing check that could be satisfied without proper authorization verification. Researcher Pranamya Keshkamat and Cantina’s AI tool Apex identified it on February 19, 2026. RippleX patched it in emergency release version 3.1.1 four days later.

How did the Permission Delegation vulnerability work? The original implementation checked delegate permissions before verifying transaction signatures. On XRPL, transactions that fail with “tec”-class errors still incur fees. An attacker could repeatedly submit invalid transactions with elevated fees against a delegated account, draining its XRP balance without ever holding its keys. The fix reclassified the error type and reordered the verification checks.

Were any funds lost from these vulnerabilities? No funds were lost. Both critical vulnerabilities were identified before their respective amendments activated on mainnet. The Batch bug was caught during the validator voting phase, and the Permission Delegation flaw was disclosed and patched before activation. The XRP Ledger’s amendment process, which requires 80% validator support for two consecutive weeks, provided a structural buffer that prevented exploitation.

What is Sherlock and how does its audit model work? Sherlock is a Web3 security firm that structures audits as adversarial contests, ranking researchers by performance and offering financial incentives through prize pools. The XRP Ledger engagement was Sherlock’s first collaboration with Ripple and one of the largest audit contests of 2026. The model differs from traditional private audits by inviting broad participation from independent security researchers competing for bounties, which surfaces a wider range of attack vectors than a small internal team can cover.

How does XRPL’s security model differ from Ethereum’s? XRPL’s amendment process separates code deployment from feature activation. New features ship in a software release but remain dormant until validators vote to activate them, creating a review window where vulnerabilities can be caught without emergency patches. Ethereum’s smart contracts are live upon deployment, and fixing vulnerabilities requires deploying new contracts, migrating users, or implementing proxy upgrades. In the first five months of 2026, DeFi exploits exceeded $840 million, and 70% of exploited contracts had been audited but lacked post-deployment monitoring.

What features does XRP Ledger version 3.3.0 include? Version 3.3.0, released on August 6, 2026, contains code for five feature amendments and a cleanup patch. The features include Confidential Transfers for Multi-Purpose Tokens using zero-knowledge proofs, rewritten Batch Transactions for atomic multi-operation settlement, rewritten Permission Delegation for controlled account access, Sponsored Fees allowing applications to cover user costs, and DynamicMPT enabling issuers to modify token properties after creation.

Does this audit make XRPL a safe investment? The Sherlock audit reflects a rigorous pre-release security process, but code quality is one factor among many that influence investment outcomes. XRP traded near $1.03 in late July 2026, roughly 71% below its cycle high, and market performance depends on regulatory developments, institutional adoption rates, competitive dynamics, and macroeconomic conditions. This is educational analysis, not investment advice. **Disclaimer**: This article was published on August 14, 2026. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile and carry substantial risk. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.

Cetera Investment Advisers, one of the largest independent wealth management firms in the United States, has disclosed exposure to XRP. This move introduces another established institutional player to the growing segment of traditional finance firms engaging with digital assets.

Firm’s XRP exposure disclosedThe development was brought to light by crypto investor Pumpius on X, who described Cetera as a “$256 billion Wall Street giant” that has “just quietly loaded up on XRP.” He connected the action to recent filings submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cetera Investment Advisers operates a broad network of financial advisors and serves a diverse spectrum of clients, including retail investors and high-net-worth individuals. The company manages approximately $256 billion in client assets, ranking it among the most significant wealth managers in the country.

Pumpius observed that institutional participation is accelerating in the digital asset sector, remarking that “the floodgates are opening” as mainstream platforms add XRP to their investment offering.

Mini dictionary: Cetera Investment Advisers is a major independent wealth management firm in the United States, supporting financial advisors in delivering investment solutions to a broad base of clients.

The disclosure does not specify the volume of XRP held, nor does it indicate that all Cetera advisors have allocated client money directly to XRP. Instead, it signals that at least some exposure exists within at least one investment product managed by the firm.

XRP gains ground in institutional portfoliosInstitutional adoption of digital assets has historically focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum, which continue to dominate regulated crypto investment vehicles. However, XRP has gradually found its way into select institutional portfolios, especially as new products are designed to offer compliant access.

In recent years, investment vehicles such as trusts and managed accounts have enabled wealth management advisors to provide clients with exposure to XRP without the requirement of managing private keys or using cryptocurrency exchanges directly.

Cetera’s move may signal broader interest among major wealth managers in diversifying digital asset exposure beyond the largest cryptocurrencies. It also reflects the increasing comfort among traditional financial professionals in navigating the compliance requirements associated with digital assets.

The overall scale of Cetera’s client assets—reported at $256 billion—should not be confused with the firm’s direct XRP position. The available information only confirms exposure, not investment size or extent of allocation within its portfolios.

Sector growth and future disclosuresIndependent wealth management networks such as Cetera allow advisors to tailor investment decisions to individual client profiles, including risk tolerance and specific investment objectives. Therefore, digital asset adoption may proceed gradually as various advisors respond to client demand.

The presence of XRP in an institutionally managed portfolio is likely to be monitored closely by investors tracking adoption trends. Future regulatory disclosures and quarterly SEC filings may reveal additional institutions that are adding XRP exposure through endorsed investment vehicles.

The expansion of regulated products, including potential spot XRP exchange-traded funds, could facilitate even greater institutional access in the months ahead. Observers will be watching to see if traditional firms continue to integrate digital assets into their offerings on a broader scale.

Pumpius suggested that Cetera’s reported XRP exposure may motivate other established finance companies to consider adding digital assets to their books. However, actual investment sizes remain undisclosed at this stage.

Disclosure of XRP holdings by prominent financial firms continues to provide key data points for watchers of the growing integration between crypto markets and traditional wealth management.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.