Ripple has confirmed the unlocking of 1 billion XRP from escrow, ending weeks of speculation within the XRP community. This event raises thoughts on potential strategic reserves and ETF launches.
Speculation Turns to Confirmation
Speculation within the XRP community began when Ripple locked 700 million XRP at the start of August. Many traders on social media started to wonder if the company had quietly halted its monthly practice. "A bit intriguing if all of a sudden it just stopped," one XRP wallet tracker noted.
How the Release Happened
Whale Alert data shows that the billion XRP release was split across three transactions worth approximately $3.28 million at the time of release. Most of the unlocked supply, typically ranging from 650 to 800 million tokens, will return to escrow, with 200 to 350 million set aside for on-demand liquidity, partnerships, acquisitions, and other ecosystem development.
Was it Routine?
The company is known for its billion-token unlocks at the beginning of each month. However, this year Ripple started deviating from that schedule. In March, it began creating new escrows from its holdings and releasing tokens later in the month, a pattern repeated in subsequent months. This change appears aimed at adding flexibility and reducing predictable sell pressure in the market.
The unlock of XRP tokens did not trigger an immediate price rally but reaffirms the company's commitment to supply management. Whale Alert activity, legal clarity, and structural confidence contribute to a consolidating XRP price, building a base for future movements.
