Ripple Unlocks 1 Billion XRP Amid New Escrow Strategy

Blockchain tracker Whale Alert has reported three massive XRP transactions totaling 1 billion coins, all executed on May 3. Among them, a 500 million XRP transfer was confirmed to be initiated by Ripple, the San Francisco-based blockchain company. The other two transactions—300 million and 200 million XRP—also originated from Ripple’s escrow accounts, according to XRPscan.

This release marks a shift in Ripple’s usual strategy. Previously, Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP on the first of each month and then re-locked a portion afterward. Now, the firm secures 700 million XRP in escrow before releasing the 1 billion XRP, and it performs the release on the third day of the month instead of the first. This modification appears to reflect a more strategic approach to liquidity management.

Ripple’s monthly XRP releases are primarily aimed at boosting market liquidity. Part of the released XRP is sold on exchanges to fund operational expenses, while the rest is injected into Ripple’s payment ecosystem or distributed to institutional partners.

In related news, speculation continues around Ripple’s rumored $20 billion bid to acquire Circle, the issuer of USDC. Initial reports suggested Ripple offered $4–5 billion, which Circle reportedly rejected. Despite social media buzz and follow-up claims of a much larger offer, the XRP community has largely dismissed the $20 billion figure as unfounded rumor.

As Ripple adjusts its escrow release model and explores expansion through acquisitions, investor attention remains high on XRP’s price action and strategic moves. With growing talk of an XRP ETF and institutional adoption on the rise, XRP's role in the crypto market could see renewed momentum.