Have 10,000 XRP? Here's why you're in the "elite class" of the crypto world, analysts say!

 According to crypto entrepreneur Edoardo Farina, owning 10,000 units of Ripple (XRP) today is no longer a common occurrence, but a marker of exclusivity in the cryptocurrency world.

At around US$2.31 per token. In an economy that continues to put pressure on the general public, especially due to inflation, this amount is considered the "new frontier" for retail investors. This claim also sparked a discussion about the widening crypto ownership gap.

On-chain data shows that of the approximately 6.55 million recorded XRP wallets, only about 4% hold a minimum of 10,000 XRP. More than 5 million addresses were even recorded as holding under 500 XRP, signaling the dominance of a small group of large owners over the circulation of XRP tokens. A total of 166,250 wallets were identified as having between 10,000 to 25,000 XRP, while another 159,566 were in the 5,000 to 10,000 XRP range.

This fact reinforces the view that XRP-like many other crypto assets-is experiencing ownership concentration. In a decentralized ecosystem that ideally promises equitable distribution of assets, this concentration is an indicator of social risk that has the potential to widen the digital economic divide.

Farina highlighted how global inflationary pressures have forced crypto holders, especially XRP holders, to sell their assets for basic necessities. "People have started selling their XRP just to buy daily necessities," he said. In this scenario, owning large amounts of crypto is no longer a symbol of luxury, but can instead become a burden in a financially constrained environment.

Rising inflation has caused people's purchasing power to decline, while prices of necessities continue to rise. For many retail XRP holders, the realistic option left is to cash out their crypto assets. This also reflects the challenges individual investors face in maintaining a long-term portfolio amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Farina warned that 99% of XRP owners are at risk of not being able to get into the "10,000 XRP club" due to growing economic pressure. This warning elicited two reactions: some saw it as an alarm over the widening gap, while others dismissed it as a fear-based marketing strategy (FOMO). Regardless, data and trends show that fewer and fewer retail investors are able to accumulate large amounts of XRP.

Instead of selling, Farina encourages the community to look for additional sources of income such as freelancing or online ventures. He argues that selling XRP at this time only benefits large parties who want to suppress the price in the market. This strategy reflects the belief that the long-term value of XRP is greater than the short-term returns obtained through forced sales.

This discussion highlights the emerging gap between large and small holders in the crypto world, a phenomenon that is not limited to XRP alone. A similar phenomenon can be observed in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other assets, where the bulk of supply is controlled by a minority of wallets. For new investors, this situation suggests the need for an investment plan that is realistic, scalable, and resilient to macroeconomic pressures.

While owning 10,000 XRP is now seen as a symbol of financial power in the crypto world, there are still opportunities for retail investors to gradually take part. The key is consistency, education, and awareness of ongoing market trends. In this context, cryptocurrencies still offer financial inclusion, although the path is not easy for everyone.