Ripple Locks 700M XRP Without Usual Release—Is a Major Move Brewing?

Ripple has triggered fresh speculation across the XRP community after locking 700 million tokens into escrow on May 1. The move came without the typical 1 billion XRP release, marking the third consecutive month of deviation from its usual pattern.

Ripple executed two individual XRP transactions, 200 million and 300 million XRP before sending them to unverified wallet addresses. These transactions, along with the ensuing surprise lock-up pattern, generated discussions about a potential strategic reorientation by the company.

Ripple normally releases 1 billion XRP from escrow at the start of each month, then relocks the unused tokens to maintain a structured supply. The usual escrow release plan used in March and April did not take place as expected in May. Ripple placed already surplus tokens into escrow rather than performing an unlock procedure.

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This unexpected approach has raised eyebrows, as it suggests Ripple may be preparing for a different kind of market move. The tokens placed in escrow appear unique, as they were not part of past monthly releases or previous escrow allocations.

Escrow Pattern Breaks Again as Market Watches Ripple’s Next Steps

Despite the significant volume involved, XRP’s market reaction has remained calm. The token recorded just a 0.7 percent increase over the past week, while Bitcoin rose by 3 percent during the same period, according to CoinMarketCap data.

Ripple maintains significant control over XRP through its current Q4 financial statements. The total XRP tokens amount to 38 billion escrowed assets and Ripple controls another 4.5 billion tokens. The company maintains authority over about half of the complete supply chain.

A planned April XRP release canceled by Ripple has increased market uncertainty, as the company retains some funds for operational purposes and its On-Demand Liquidity product. Funds from Ripple await release on May 3 but remain subject to a late delivery possibility.

Ripple missed its scheduled XRP release to lock 700 million XRP unexpectedly, and the decision has raised suspicions regarding undisclosed intentions. The market stays alert to figure out Ripple’s upcoming plans.

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