🔥 Introduction: The XRP Power Game

Listen up — XRP isn’t just another token floating in the crypto ocean. This is a shark-infested market where control equals money. After the SEC lawsuit dismissal in 2025, XRP finally got the green light, and now everyone wants a slice. But here’s the kicker: ownership is insanely concentrated. The question is: who really runs the XRP show?

Today, we’re breaking it all down — Ripple’s treasury chest, Larsen’s billions, whale wallets, exchanges stockpiling XRP like digital gold, and what all this means for traders like you.

💼 Ripple Labs: The Central Bank of XRP

Ripple Labs is the godfather of XRP. They don’t just participate in the market — they dominate it. As of 2025, Ripple controls 42% of the total 100 billion XRP supply.

• 4.5 billion XRP is liquid and ready to move.
• 35 billion XRP sits in escrow, waiting to be drip-fed to the market.

This level of control puts Ripple in a unique position: they’re not just a company; they’re effectively a central bank of XRP.

Escrow Smart Contracts

Ripple designed a brilliant chess move with escrow. Each month, 1 billion XRP is unlocked via smart contracts. But here’s the strategy: more than 60% of it is relocked immediately.

Why? Because Ripple knows if they dump too much supply at once, the market collapses. Instead, they manage supply like a pro trader — slow, steady, and calculated. That’s how you stabilise a token that could otherwise crash and burn.

🏦 Chris Larsen: The King of XRP Rich List

If Ripple is the central bank, Chris Larsen is the emperor. The co-founder holds over 2.5 billion XRP spread across eight wallets. That makes him not only the richest individual XRP holder but also one of the wealthiest men in all of crypto.

Recently, Larsen offloaded some XRP — strategic moves, diversifying his empire. But make no mistake: Larsen still sits on a mountain of tokens that could shake the market if he decided to unload them. For traders, watching his wallets isn’t optional — it’s mandatory.

🌍 Exchanges: The New Age Banks of XRP

Want to know where most XRP is parked? Look no further than exchanges. They’ve become the custodians of liquidity in this ecosystem.

• Upbit: Holds the crown with nearly 6 billion XRP.
• Binance: Stacks about 2.7 billion XRP.
• Uphold: Safeguards around 2 billion XRP.
• Coinbase: Once a heavyweight, but it slashed its XRP reserves by 57% in Q2 2025.

These exchanges aren’t just storage vaults. Their wallets reflect demand, liquidity, and market confidence. When reserves rise, people are buying. When they drop, smart money is moving off-exchange into cold storage.

Coinbase’s Strategic Exit

Coinbase’s cut wasn’t random. After the SEC case resolution, Coinbase pivoted toward more institutional-focused strategies. They trimmed XRP exposure to streamline risk and shift their priorities.

For retail traders, this move is a warning sign and a signal. It says: watch how exchanges position themselves. Because when they change course, the tide in the market shifts too.

🐋 Whale Wallets: Silent Giants of XRP

Here’s where the real power sits: whales. By 2025, the number of wallets holding over 1 million XRP hit a record 2,708.

That’s no accident. Whales are loading up, quietly betting on XRP’s future. Every time retail traders panic sell, whales scoop up the leftovers. That’s how markets are made.

XRP Wallet Stats

Let’s cut through the noise with the real numbers:

• 6.6 million wallets exist on the XRP ledger.
• Unique holders? Likely fewer than 1 million because one person can have multiple addresses.
• The kicker: just 100 wallets control 68% of XRP’s circulating supply.

That’s Wall Street-level concentration. Decentralisation purists might hate it, but from a trading standpoint, it’s an opportunity. Because when supply is centralised, price moves are sharper, and profits are bigger — if you know how to play it.

⚖️ Legal Clarity: The SEC Case Flip

For years, the SEC lawsuit hung over Ripple like a guillotine. But in August 2025, it came crashing down — in Ripple’s favour. Case dismissed. XRP declared a legitimate asset.

The result? Institutional players jumped in, retail confidence surged, and trading volumes exploded. Legal clarity isn’t just paperwork — it’s the difference between investors running scared and piling in by the billions.

📈 Market Dynamics and Price Action in 2025

So, what does all this mean for XRP’s price? Two words: controlled chaos.

• Ripple’s escrow keeps supply under wraps.
• Whales accumulate like predators stalking prey.
• Institutions pour in now that regulation isn’t a barrier.

The outcome? Explosive rallies followed by strategic cool-downs. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, where decentralisation disperses power, XRP’s concentration makes its moves more extreme. If you’re trading it, buckle up.

🧩 Ripple’s Strategy: Playing the Long Game

Ripple isn’t playing checkers — they’re running a long-game strategy. They’ve proven they won’t dump supply recklessly. Instead, they:

• Lock tokens back into escrow.
• Release XRP strategically into the market.
• Partner with banks and fintechs for adoption.

This is less about fast flips and more about building a controlled ecosystem where Ripple maintains influence. Like it or not, that strategy works.

🧐 Concentration Concerns: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s be real — decentralisation purists hate XRP. Why? Because 68% of circulating supply sits in just 100 wallets. That’s not exactly democratic.

But here’s the truth: decentralisation doesn’t automatically equal profit. Concentration creates volatility, and volatility is where traders make serious money. The Wolf’s take? Stop whining about centralisation and learn how to ride the waves created by the big players.

💡 Key Takeaways for Traders

Here’s the playbook, straight up:

1. Ripple controls supply → watch escrow schedules.
2. Chris Larsen is the kingpin → his moves matter.
3. Exchanges are liquidity hubs → track their reserves.
4. Whales are stacking XRP → follow their lead.
5. Legal clarity is fuel → institutions are coming in hot.

Trade with this mindset, and you’re not just guessing — you’re trading with the smart money.

🚀 How to Profit from the XRP Rich List

So, how do you turn all this into dollars (or XRP)?

• Track whale wallets with tools like XRPScan.
• Understand escrow releases before trading. Ripple’s schedule is public, so use it.
• Watch exchange flows — spikes in reserves = liquidity shifts.
• Don’t chase retail FOMO. Follow the whales, not the noise.

If you’re serious about levelling up, dive into strategy guides like RSI crypto trading strategies or advanced charting with Fibonacci retracement guide. And keep one eye on regulatory news, especially cases like Ripple’s SEC legal victory 2025.

❓ FAQs: XRP Ownership in 2025

1. How much XRP does Ripple still own in 2025?
Ripple holds around 42% of the total supply, split between escrow and liquid reserves.

2. Who is the largest individual XRP holder?
Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder, with over 2.5 billion XRP.

3. Why does Coinbase hold less XRP now?
Coinbase reduced exposure by 57% in 2025, repositioning after the SEC lawsuit dismissal.

4. Is XRP decentralised compared to Bitcoin?
Not even close. XRP is highly centralised, with top 100 wallets controlling nearly 70% of supply.

5. What does whale accumulation mean for retail traders?
It signals confidence and potential market moves. Whales buy when the crowd sells.

🏁 Conclusion: The Wolf’s Verdict

Here’s the truth, no sugar-coating: XRP in 2025 is controlled by Ripple, Larsen, and a handful of whales. Decentralisation? Forget it. This is about power and strategy. But here’s the kicker: concentration isn’t weakness — it’s opportunity.

If you’re smart, you don’t fight the system, you ride the system. Watch Ripple’s moves, track whale wallets, follow exchange flows, and position yourself ahead of the herd. Because in this game, you either follow the money or you get left broke on the sidelines.

2025 is XRP’s defining year. And the rich list? That’s your roadmap.

The Wolf Of Wall Street crypto trading community offers a comprehensive platform for navigating the volatile cryptocurrency market. Here’s what you gain:

• Exclusive VIP Signals: Access proprietary signals designed to maximize trading profits.
• Expert Market Analysis: Benefit from in-depth analysis from seasoned crypto traders.
• Private Community: Join a network of over 100,000 like-minded individuals for shared insights and support.
• Essential Trading Tools: Utilize volume calculators and other resources to make informed decisions.
• 24/7 Support: Receive continuous assistance from our dedicated support team.

Empower your crypto trading journey:

• Visit our service: The Wolf Of Wall Street service for detailed information.
• Join our active Telegram community: The Wolf Of Wall Street Telegram for real-time updates and discussions.
• Unlock your potential to profit in the crypto market with The Wolf Of Wall Street.