XRP Ledger Sets Records: A Sign of Recovery in 2026?
XRP has been making waves in the crypto space with several groundbreaking metrics on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Despite recent bearish trends that dropped the price below $1.9, new on-chain data indicates a strong recovery could be brewing. Let’s take a closer look at why investors might be optimistic about XRP’s future.
XRP Whales Are Accumulating Again
One of the most notable developments on the XRP Ledger has been a sharp increase in large investors re-entering the market. According to on-chain analytics platform Santiment, the number of wallets holding at least 1 million XRP has risen significantly—42 new wallets have appeared since early January 2026. At current prices, each of these wallets holds a minimum of $1.8 million worth of XRP. This key metric suggests that large-scale investors are treating recent price drops as an opportunity to accumulate, rather than a signal to sell.
Such “whale” activity is often interpreted as a bullish signal for long-term performance, potentially paving the way for a rebound if selling pressure diminishes over the coming months.
Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Transactions Break Records
Another milestone involves activity on decentralized exchanges. Data from CryptoQuant shows that the 14-day average number of DEX transactions on XRPL has surpassed 1.014 million—a level not seen since early 2025. This consistent growth in DEX activity reflects Ripple’s expanding partnerships with institutions and nations to boost adoption of the XRP Ledger.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) interactions and token swaps on XRPL are gaining momentum, further signaling increased interest and usability. A senior analyst at CryptoQuant summed it up well: “Breaking a long-standing resistance in on-chain activity often correlates with renewed market interest and potential price action for XRP.”
Transaction Volume Surges Beyond Expectations
Daily transaction counts on the network have also climbed to impressive levels. Data from Artemis reveals that daily XRPL transactions have exceeded 2.5 million throughout January 2026. Historically, similar spikes in transaction volumes during critical periods in 2025 resulted in dramatic price increases, including the all-time high of $3.6 reached in July 2025.
While transaction volume alone isn’t a guarantee of a price rebound, it is a reliable indicator of network health, demand, and growing adoption. Such patterns align with traders’ anticipation of another breakout.
What This Means for XRP and Investors
Although XRP has faced recent challenges, the network’s fundamentals remain strong. Rising whale activity, thriving DEX interactions, and increasing transaction volumes all point towards a potential recovery. However, it’s important to approach the market with caution, as crypto remains highly volatile.
Featured Product Recommendation: Ledger Nano X
For investors looking to securely store their XRP holdings during volatile times, the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet is a top choice. Its robust security features and user-friendly design make it an excellent option for safeguarding your digital assets.
As always, consider your financial goals and risk tolerance before making investment decisions. Stay updated with the latest market news, and keep an eye on the metrics driving XRP’s potential recovery.
