Ripple just 'unlocked' 1 billion XRP tokens from an escrow wallet, marking a change from the periodic XRP release model the company has maintained since 2017.
Specifically, on May 3, 2025, Ripple executed this unlocking through three transactions – 500 million XRP, 300 million XRP, and 200 million XRP, with a total value of at least $2.2 billion based on the average XRP exchange rate. Notably, this unlocking occurred two days later than usual, as Ripple typically releases 1 billion XRP on the first day of each month.
Detailed information about these transactions has been confirmed by Whale Alert – a blockchain data tracking platform – indicating that the funds have been transferred from Ripple's escrow wallet.
Ripple changes the XRP unlocking schedule amid a sideways market
Since 2017, Ripple has implemented a monthly unlocking mechanism to create a stable and predictable supply of XRP, ensuring liquidity for the market. Initially, the company locked 55 billion XRP in an escrow wallet, planning to unlock 1 billion XRP each month for 55 months.
The latest unlock occurred just after Ripple locked 700 million XRP on May 2, 2025. This is also the third consecutive month Ripple has taken this action before unlocking – a pattern seen in April and March, raising speculation about a new strategy.
Typically, about 700 million XRP would be locked up after unlocking. However, Ripple recently changed the timing of this action, from after unlocking to before unlocking. This change has fueled speculation about how Ripple manages liquidity and distributes XRP supply.
Although Ripple has not officially stated the reason for changing the unlocking time, some industry insiders speculate that this move may relate to market conditions or internal policies. However, these hypotheses have not yet been confirmed by the company.
XRP strengthens trend – Is the $3 mark feasible?
As of now in May, XRP has fluctuated between $1.96 and $2.5. According to analysts, this asset is in an accumulation phase. Technical charts show that XRP is still holding above key support levels, including the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level and historical resistance around $1.8.
Crypto analyst Casitrades noted that XRP could back-test the $2.25 area and still has a risk of dropping to $1.9. She also pointed out that XRP's Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in the overbought zone, indicating that a short-term correction could occur before the price continues to recover.
Market sentiment in the short term is currently neutral as long-term traders focus on the resistance level of $2.25. If XRP holds above this level, higher targets at $2.68 and $3 are well within reach.
XRP is 'gathering strength' while Wall Street quietly enters the game
Recently, John Squire, one of the well-known influencers in the crypto community, has rebutted negative assertions claiming that XRP is a 'dead coin.' According to him, XRP is in an 'accumulation' phase, preparing for a powerful breakout.
In a lengthy post on X (Twitter) on May 1, Squire emphasized that XRP is the only cryptocurrency in the top 10 that has undergone a lengthy legal battle with the U.S. government – and has won. Now that legal barriers have been removed, Squire believes that XRP is on track to attract a wave of acceptance from major institutions, which could drive its value higher. He also pointed out that CME Group – one of the world's largest derivatives exchanges – is set to launch cash-settled XRP futures by the end of this month.
Meanwhile, Coinbase – the largest crypto exchange in the United States – launched a similar product in April, reflecting growing interest from institutional investors in XRP.
Squire also cited rumors about the possibility of BlackRock – the largest asset management firm in the world – researching the establishment of an XRP trust fund, a long-awaited product. He believes this is not just hype from the retail community but initial signs that Wall Street is quietly joining the game.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Investors should conduct thorough research before making decisions. We are not responsible for your investment decisions.
