Ripple Unlocks 1 Billion XRP Triggering Crypto Community Debate
Ripple, the blockchain powerhouse behind the XRP cryptocurrency, has recently stirred up significant discussion within the crypto community by unlocking a massive one billion XRP tokens.
This release, which occurred on April 3, 2025, came two days later than the usual schedule and has left the market buzzing with questions and speculation.
Ripple’s process of releasing XRP from its escrow has been a long-standing program since 2017, where the company gradually releases one billion XRP on the first day of each month to help maintain liquidity on cryptocurrency exchanges. Traditionally, a large portion of these coins—typically around two-thirds—are placed back into escrow after the release. In recent months, Ripple has been locking 700 million XRP back into escrow, but this time, there were notable changes in the timing and approach of the release.
On April 2, Ripple locked 700 million XRP into escrow before the April 3 release of one billion tokens. This slight shift in the schedule has raised eyebrows in the crypto world, with some questioning whether Ripple is altering its token release strategy. Last month, a similar pattern emerged, where Ripple unlocked one billion XRP on March 3, with 700 million being locked back into escrow before the release.
The Community’s Reaction
The news of the release sparked an immediate response from the XRP community, with many expressing their surprise at the size and timing of the release. Whale Alert, a service that tracks significant crypto transactions, highlighted the unlocking of 500 million XRP—worth over $1 billion at the time—alongside two other major transfers of 200 million XRP each. These transfers, also made by Ripple’s escrow accounts, prompted an outpouring of reactions from the community, many of whom were perplexed by the size of the release.
Social media was filled with comments such as “What is going on here folks?” and “What is happening here people?” Some users, however, downplayed the concerns, with one noting that these large unlocks are a regular occurrence: “It happens every single month lol they will lock 90% of it back into escrow…are all of you brand new here or what?”
Market Impact and Speculation
The release of such a substantial amount of XRP—around $1.02 billion worth—naturally raises questions about its potential impact on the market. While the immediate effect on XRP’s price appeared to be minimal, the sheer scale of the release and its timing continue to generate speculation about Ripple’s intentions and future plans for the cryptocurrency.
Ripple has long been criticized by some within the crypto space for the large amounts of XRP in circulation, with concerns over market manipulation due to the company’s control over such a significant portion of the supply. However, the release program is designed to ensure liquidity and avoid major price fluctuations caused by sudden changes in the market.
What’s Next for Ripple and XRP?
As Ripple continues its monthly releases of XRP, the crypto community remains on alert for any further shifts in the company’s release strategy. The recent changes in timing and the scale of the releases suggest that Ripple might be adjusting its approach, though the company has yet to provide clear insights into its long-term plans.
Ripple’s approach to escrow and token release could have significant implications for XRP’s price and its role in the broader cryptocurrency market. As the company continues to navigate these releases, the crypto community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the next steps in Ripple’s strategy.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a "detective-like" mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
