A recent analysis has compared Stellar and XRP networks, focusing on wallet concentration and accessibility for investors seeking exposure ahead of anticipated institutional adoption of tokenized assets and settlement infrastructure.
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AAPLWallet Distribution and Entry Barriers
Be Crypto Smart, a crypto-focused research channel, examined on-chain data and wallet distribution curves across both networks. According to the researcher, attaining a top-1% position on Stellar costs significantly less than on XRP. Specifically, a leading Stellar wallet in the top percentile holds about 12,444 XLM, currently valued at $2,072, based on a price of $0.165 per token. In contrast, matching this percentile on XRP requires approximately 44,967 XRP, worth $47,889 at a token price of $1.60.
The analysis does not characterize this gap as a reflection of community wealth, but rather as a function of the token’s price evolution and unique wallet distribution patterns. Stellar has around 11 million wallets, whereas XRP features about 8 million funded wallets, offering different opportunities for network engagement.
For those aiming for the top 10%, the hurdle stands at roughly 2,200 XLM, valued near $365, compared to 2,157 XRP, estimated at $2,297. The speaker noted that this structure potentially makes it easier for smaller investors to accumulate a prominent position in Stellar over time.
Concentration and Institutional Activity
Both Stellar and XRP networks remain highly concentrated at the upper echelons. The analysis shows that 306 Stellar wallets holding at least 5 million XLM control 80.2% of circulating supply. On the XRP side, 518 wallets with at least 10 million XRP account for 78.1%.
It was emphasized that these figures require context, as some large wallets are owned by exchanges, foundations, custodians, and, for XRP, Ripple-managed escrow accounts. As a result, the freely tradable supply may be lower than it appears based solely on circulating supply statistics. The presenter argued that these conditions influence the accessibility and liquidity available to new entrants.
For Stellar, the presence of nearly 11 million wallets and more attainable thresholds for top-tier positions suggest a lower barrier for retail investors compared to XRP, where supply concentration and price dynamics make entry at higher levels more demanding.
On XRP, Ripple President Monica Long conveyed that institutional tokenization is at a tipping point, describing a potential dramatic increase in on-chain settlement as tokenized funds move from pilot phases to full-scale production. Further advancements include Ripple’s investments in XELO and Liquido, as well as tokenization of traditional assets like Aviva Investors’ dollar liquidity fund on the XRP Ledger and the launch of RLUSD, Ripple’s own stablecoin platform.
Stellar’s Prospects and Real-World Assets
On the Stellar network, Be Crypto Smart cited reports of new institutional initiatives. Among them, a plan by the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to tokenize custodial assets on Stellar could launch in the first half of 2027. Additional upgrades involve recognition of new tier-one validators, including industry names such as MoneyGram and Figure Markets. Tradeable plans to bring up to $1 billion in tokenized private credit to Stellar, and the platform currently supports $3.0006 billion in tokenized real-world assets.
Increasing integration of real-world assets and sophisticated validators highlights Stellar’s push to solidify its role in asset tokenization, while XRP continues to align itself with large-scale institutional projects and liquidity provisions.
With increasing market attention on real-world asset tokenization trends, platforms like 1stepSwap have emerged to further blur the lines between traditional and digital finance. By allowing users to access shares of major US companies or commodities such as gold and silver directly through their wallets—without the involvement of intermediaries—1stepSwap streamlines portfolio diversification. The key feature of this platform is its capability to secure the best available prices across markets in real time, facilitating rapid transactions for top global equities and commodities.
Outlook Remains Conditional
Be Crypto Smart stressed that institutional validation and the onboarding of new validators do not automatically translate into higher token demand. The timeline for projects, such as the DTCC’s plans, was cited as a target rather than a guaranteed milestone.
As interest in tokenization and blockchain-based settlement continues, both Stellar and XRP offer distinct considerations for prospective investors, with current network concentration levels suggesting potential constraints and opportunities in the evolving market.
While major developments in validator participation and institutional announcements signal momentum, these factors alone have not settled the debate over long-term token demand, as market structure and execution timelines remain key variables.
