Institutional activity around XRP has intensified after new on-chain figures showed sustained ETF accumulation. According to Arthur, an XRP community member and on-chain analyst, XRP-focused exchange traded funds now hold 803.78M XRP. The disclosure, shared on X, has redirected market attention toward institutional positioning rather than short-term retail behavior.
According to data referenced by Arthur from XRP Insights, ETF issuers continued adding XRP at a steady pace. Canary, Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, 21Shares, REX-Osprey, and the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund all expanded holdings. Consequently, total ETF-controlled XRP reached 803.78M tokens, reflecting consistent capital deployment.
— Arthur (@XrpArthur) January 18, 2026
XRP ETFs don’t lie, smart money is positioning. While retail hesitates, institutional flows tell a completely different story. This week alone: +22.63M XRP net inflow Every major issuer adding positions, 803.78M XRP now locked inside ETFs When ETFs consistently absorb… pic.twitter.com/OccyYDahTD
Notably, Arthur stated that institutional flows contradict prevailing retail caution. According to him, ETF products recorded a net inflow of 22.63M XRP over the past week. Retail traders, however, remained hesitant amid broader market uncertainty. Hence, institutional demand now represents the dominant accumulation force.
Moreover, ETF activity suggests a longer investment horizon. When funds absorb millions of tokens daily, circulating supply tightens gradually. Consequently, price reactions often emerge later, rather than alongside early inflows. Arthur emphasized that this pattern historically precedes repricing phases.
Price Pressure Persists Despite ETF Accumulation
From a technical standpoint, XRP faces mixed signals. Recent declines produced a death cross on the hourly chart, where the 50-period average moved below the 200-period average. Additionally, XRP continues testing support around $2, a level closely watched by traders.
However, resistance remains visible near $2.56, aligning with the daily 200-period moving average. A sustained move above that zone could alter short-term sentiment. Until then, consolidation dominates price action.
Regulatory Developments Bolster Institutional Interest
Meanwhile, broader developments add context to institutional interest. Ripple recently secured preliminary authorization for an e-money license in Luxembourg. This approval supports expansion of regulated digital asset payment services across the European Union. Ripple also pursues a Crypto Asset Service Provider license under the MiCA framework. Such regulatory progress often influences institutional allocation decisions.
Besides regulatory clarity, ETF participation reflects confidence in structured exposure. Institutions typically favor compliant vehicles that reduce custody and operational risks. Therefore, ETF inflows may continue independently of short-term price fluctuations.
XRP ETFs have absorbed 803.78M tokens, according to Arthur and XRP Insights, signaling rising institutional conviction. Despite muted price action near $2, ETF inflows continue to grow. Market participants now monitor whether sustained accumulation eventually translates into repricing.