The XRP Rich List: Exploring the Top Holders in 2025
As we progress through 2025, XRP (XRP) solidifies its position as one of the most prominent cryptocurrencies. This digital asset has witnessed significant growth in both adoption and market activity, but who truly owns the most XRP? Let’s dive into the XRP rich list and uncover the key players shaping its ecosystem.
Ripple Labs: The Undisputed Leader
Ripple Labs, the creators of the XRP Ledger, remains the largest stakeholder, owning an estimated 42% of the total XRP supply (100 billion tokens). The company employs a unique escrow system to release 1 billion XRP monthly through smart contracts. This system ensures price stability, as Ripple relocks 60% or more of the monthly released supply it doesn’t use for operational expenses.
Although this escrow mechanism provides liquidity for its On-Demand Liquidity Service (ODL), it also sparks debates over decentralization and ownership concentration. With 35 billion XRP in escrow as of 2025, Ripple’s dominance continues to top the charts.
Chris Larsen: The Wealthiest Individual Holder
Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder and Executive Chairman, retains the title of the largest individual XRP holder. Larsen reportedly owns over 2.5 billion XRP, valued at approximately $7 billion, distributed across multiple wallets. His significant holdings give him unparalleled influence, both as an investor and market participant.
Notably, in July 2025, Larsen made headlines by transferring $175 million worth of XRP onto exchanges, coinciding with XRP’s record highs of over $3. Despite these sales, his remaining holdings reinforce his influence on the market.
Top Exchanges: The Gatekeepers of XRP
Global cryptocurrency exchanges are some of the largest custodians of XRP, showcasing the prominence of retail demand. Among them, Korea’s Upbit leads the pack, holding approximately 6 billion XRP. Binance follows with over 2.7 billion XRP, while platforms like Uphold (2 billion XRP) and Coinbase (780 million XRP) also hold significant reserves.
Notably, while these large holdings reflect strong market liquidity and retail engagement, it’s essential to understand that these are primarily customer assets held in custodial wallets rather than institutional positions.
Understanding Whale Activity and Retail Adoption
In 2025, whale activity around XRP has reached historic levels. Wallets holding over 1 million XRP hit a milestone with 2,708 active addresses—a record in XRP’s 12-year history. Institutional interest continues to grow, fueled by increased regulatory clarity following the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s dismissal of its case against Ripple Labs in August 2025.
Retail interest also stays strong, as entering the top 10% of XRP holders requires owning just 2,396 XRP, approximately $7,000 at current prices. This accessibility makes XRP appealing for a broader set of investors, further driving its adoption.
Decentralization Concerns and Future Growth
Despite XRP’s growing popularity, high ownership concentration remains a challenge. As of 2025, only 100 addresses control 68% of the total circulating supply, raising questions about decentralization. However, the increasing number of whale wallets, combined with expanding institutional interest, paints an optimistic picture for the asset’s future.
Looking ahead, XRP’s legal clarity in key markets and its utility in cross-border payments position the digital asset for long-term success. Nevertheless, the ongoing accumulation by whales and exchanges will remain critical metrics to watch.
Final Thoughts: How to Secure Your XRP
If you’re considering becoming an XRP investor, ensure you store your holdings securely in trusted wallets, such as a hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X. This move can help protect your investment from exchange vulnerabilities or unauthorized access.
For an in-depth look at the XRP rich list and live updates, visit XRPScan, a powerful blockchain explorer providing transparency into XRP’s ecosystem.
