In early June 2025, Ripple Labs executed a series of high-value XRP transactions that raised concerns in the cryptocurrency community. The company moved over 630 million XRP, coinciding with the anticipated standard unlock of one billion tokens.
XRP Transfers Signal Internal Restructuring
According to blockchain data, the first notable transfer occurred at 11:00 PM UTC when 330 million XRP were sent from one Ripple-tagged wallet to another. The blockchain explorer confirmed this was an internal transaction — a transfer from *Ripple 26* to *Ripple 1*. Just two minutes later, *Ripple 26* initiated another transfer, moving 170 million XRP to a third Ripple-managed wallet, tagged *Ripple 15*. These wallet shuffles appear to be part of a larger internal realignment ahead of broader distribution or liquidity adjustments.
Ripple Locks Down 670M XRP in Escrow
The most notable deviation from Ripple’s standard protocol, however, was the absence of the anticipated 1 billion XRP monthly unlock on June 1. Instead, Ripple performed a dual-lock escrow operation totaling 670 million XRP.
* 200 million XRP were secured in escrow from *Ripple 14* * An additional 470 million XRP were locked using *Ripple 15*, which had just received a portion of the shuffled tokens.
This move aligns with a pattern Ripple began establishing earlier this year, suggesting an operational pivot or increased sensitivity to market dynamics.
What's Behind Ripple's Tactical Shifts?
Ripple’s evolving escrow and transfer pattern is notable given the company’s long-standing use of escrow accounts to control XRP’s circulating supply. Historically, Ripple releases 1 billion XRP on the first day of each month and relocks the unused portion. However, since late 2024, Ripple appears to be exploring more nuanced strategies, possibly in response to increased demand from financial institutions using RippleNet for cross-border payments and liquidity requirements related to Ripple’s upcoming stablecoin, RLUSD.
Ripple's June wallet activity marks a significant shift from its typical operational playbook. With over 630 million XRP already moved, including 470 million locked in escrow and 130 million routed externally, all eyes are on the potential timing and purpose of the delayed 1 billion XRP unlock.
