Summary

  • XRP spot trading volume on Upbit reached $145.6 million against KRW on October 15 and surpassed both Bitcoin and Ethereum during the October 15-18 period.
  • Total trading volume on Upbit fell 15.5 percent in the same week, yet XRP still led the exchange.
  • Coinbase Derivatives Exchange listed XRP futures contracts expiring in October 2026 along with related perpetual contracts.

XRP overtook Bitcoin as the top traded asset on South Korea's Upbit exchange last week. Spot volume against the Korean won hit $145.6 million on October 15. Hourly spikes reached $830 million.

The shift happened even as overall platform activity declined. Coinbase Derivatives Exchange added XRP futures for October 2026 delivery at the same time. It also listed perpetual contracts.

Traders now have new ways to take positions on the asset through regulated U.S. channels.

Context

South Korea has long served as one of XRP's largest regional markets. Upbit ranks among the highest-volume venues for the token globally. Recent data shows trader loyalty stayed firm despite a broader slowdown in crypto activity.

The 15.5 percent drop in total Upbit volume points to reduced overall participation. It does not signal fresh inflows. XRP's outperformance under these conditions highlights its entrenched role on the platform.

Details

TradingView data recorded XRP's KRW pair volume at more than $145.6 million on October 15. Single-hour bursts reached $830 million during the October 15-18 window. These figures placed XRP ahead of both Bitcoin and Ethereum on the exchange.

Coinbase Derivatives Exchange made XRP futures for October 2026 available at a reported price of $1.32. Perpetual contracts linked to the same maturity also began trading near $1.31. Both products clear through the Coinbase platform and represent 500 XRP per contract.

"XRP beat Bitcoin as the most-traded coin on Upbit last week."

, 247WallSt (Source)

Outlook

Market participants will monitor whether XRP's volume lead on Upbit persists into late October. They will also watch whether the new Coinbase futures contracts attract meaningful open interest.