Ripple Co-Founder Chris Larsen Moves Over $100M in XRP to Exchanges in January


Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, has made waves in the crypto market by transferring more than $100 million worth of XRP to exchanges this month. This revelation comes from blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who has been tracking Larsen’s movements closely.

Massive XRP Transfers Raise Eyebrows

On January 30, ZachXBT reported via X (formerly Twitter) that wallets linked to Larsen had funneled over $109 million in XRP to major crypto exchanges, including Coinbase, Bitstamp, and Bybit. These significant transactions have sparked speculation within the crypto community about Larsen’s intentions—whether he is cashing out, diversifying assets, or strategically reallocating funds.

XRP’s Surging Price Amidst Transactions

Interestingly, these transactions coincide with XRP’s impressive price rally in January, where it surged nearly 50% to surpass the $3 mark—a milestone not seen in seven years. The timing of Larsen’s transfers has led some analysts to question whether they influenced XRP’s price movement or were simply a response to market dynamics.

Breakdown of Larsen’s Transactions

According to CryptoSlate’s findings, Larsen’s movement of funds started on January 6, when 10 million XRP was sent to Coinbase. Further transactions followed:

  • January 16: 20 million XRP moved to an unidentified recipient.
  • January 22: 10 million XRP transferred back to one of Larsen’s own wallets.
  • January 29: 5 million XRP sent to two separate addresses.

Altogether, he moved around 50 million XRP this month, valued at approximately $155 million based on the current price of $3.10. Despite these substantial transfers, Larsen’s wallet still holds an estimated 400 million XRP, worth around $1.24 billion.

What’s Next for XRP and Ripple?

Larsen’s XRP transfers have led to speculation about Ripple’s broader strategy. Is this an indication of institutional selling, portfolio rebalancing, or a preparation for future market events? While Ripple remains entangled in ongoing legal battles with the SEC, its token’s price performance and Larsen’s activities will continue to be closely watched by investors and analysts alike.

As the crypto market remains volatile, Larsen’s moves serve as a reminder that even high-profile industry leaders are constantly adjusting their holdings in response to market conditions. Whether XRP will sustain its momentum or face a correction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Chris Larsen’s transactions will keep the crypto world on edge.