Ripple just unlocked 1 billion XRP from escrow in a matter of minutes. The total value is over $2.2 billion. Whale Alert tracked the transactions, which included 500 million XRP coming directly from Ripple and another 500 million released from two unknown wallets. This triggered speculation in the crypto community, especially considering the timing and scale.
What really caught people’s attention is the fact that Ripple locked 1.5 billion XRP into escrow just the day before. That move gave the impression Ripple was trying to limit supply and show confidence in XRP’s long-term value. Now, barely 24 hours later, even more XRP has been released. So what’s going on?
This could be part of Ripple’s regular monthly routine. On the first of each month, Ripple typically unlocks 1 billion XRP from escrow. It’s a system they’ve used for years to handle liquidity, partnerships, and operational needs. Usually, a portion of that XRP gets relocked, and the rest may be sold or distributed.
Still, the speed and structure of this latest round seem different. The unlocked XRP came in three chunks: one from Ripple, and two from wallets that aren’t clearly identified. That raised new questions about whether this is just business as usual – or something more strategic.
Some believe Ripple could be gearing up for a big announcement. With talk heating up about an XRP ETF and Ripple’s expanding role in central bank digital currency projects, the company might be preparing to inject XRP into new initiatives. Unlocking this much could mean Ripple wants flexibility in how it moves forward, especially if institutional interest continues to grow.
It’s important to note that just because XRP is unlocked doesn’t mean it’s going straight to exchanges. Ripple has often used over-the-counter deals to distribute tokens quietly. That way, they avoid flooding the market and causing sudden price drops.
Right now, XRP is trading in a tight range between $2.15 and $2.30. The market hasn’t reacted much yet, but that could change fast if Ripple announces new partnerships or uses the tokens in a way that affects supply.
For now, this feels like a quiet before the storm. Unlocking $2.2 billion worth of XRP isn’t something Ripple does lightly. Whether it leads to a major shift or just fits into their long-term roadmap, one thing is clear – Ripple is positioning itself for something, and the market is watching closely.
Read also: Here’s Why XRP Price Is Flat + One Ripple Alternative Priced Under $1 For Your Watchlist
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