 ▲ XRP |
Ripple has released 1 billion XRP into the market through its regular monthly escrow unlock, while still holding 32% of the total supply, prompting both concerns and expectations in the market regarding centralization.
According to cryptocurrency media outlet U.Today on March 1 (local time), Ripple successfully unlocked a total of 1 billion XRP from its escrow account that morning. Analysis by blockchain tracking service Whale Alert showed that the tokens were released in three stages: 200 million XRP, 300 million XRP, and 500 million XRP. At current market prices, the 1 billion XRP is valued at approximately $1.377 billion.
Ripple has been releasing a predetermined amount from escrow on the first day of each month to provide market liquidity and support the operation of its digital asset payment system, the XRP Ledger. Despite XRP posting a sluggish performance with a roughly 16% price decline in February, Ripple proceeded with its scheduled supply plan. Experts note that while the newly released tokens may create short-term selling pressure, the move is a necessary measure to support demand from institutional investors.
Ripple currently holds approximately 32% of the total XRP supply, estimated at around 32.91 billion XRP. At current prices, this amounts to more than $45.3 billion in value. Ripple manages the pace of supply by re-locking any unsold portion of the 1 billion XRP released each month back into escrow. While this approach is viewed by some as providing market transparency, criticism persists over the fact that a single company controls roughly one-third of the total supply.
The market is closely watching how this latest unlock will affect XRP’s price recovery. Since Ripple’s long-standing legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was settled in August 2025, XRP has accelerated its integration into institutional financial infrastructure. In particular, Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD is gaining traction as an institutional liquidity instrument, strengthening the case for XRP’s expanding utility.
Ripple plans to continue managing XRP liquidity through its escrow system while expanding its influence in the global payments market. However, given the ongoing structure of large-scale token releases, investors are advised to exercise caution against potential price volatility. Ripple’s substantial 32% holding is expected to remain a decisive factor in XRP’s future price formation.
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