Ripple (the company) will execute its Ripple’s scheduled XRP unlock this November 1. A total of 1 billion XRP tokens will exit escrow. This programmed move is closely watched by investors. The released amount is currently valued at $2.5 billion. The release follows the monthly schedule established by the company since 2017.
This November 1, 1 billion XRP will be released from escrow. This figure equates to $2.5 billion at current market prices. However, it is crucial to understand that not all of that volume will flood the market immediately. Historically, Ripple has followed a very consistent management pattern. The company re-locks the vast majority of these funds.
Typically, Ripple re-locks between 70% and 80% of the released tokens. These funds return to new escrow contracts with future dates. Thus, only 200 to 300 million XRP are actually used each month. These remaining funds are allocated for the company’s operational needs. They also cover institutional sales or are used to support the ecosystem.
Is the token’s true liquidity distorted?
The entire process is auditable on the blockchain. Its original design seeks to prevent sudden shocks to the asset’s supply. Nonetheless, the monthly event reignites debate in the crypto community. Some developers, like Vincent Van Code, question the market cap calculation. They argue that the 35 billion XRP still locked up distorts real liquidity.
David Schwartz, former Ripple CTO, recently weighed in on this discussion. Schwartz clarified this crucial technical distinction. He explained that XRP held in escrow is not part of the circulating supply. Therefore, it should not be counted as liquid until its official release date.
However, Schwartz added an important nuance. He noted that Ripple could sell the rights to receive those future tokens. This means the company can trade the future value, even if the tokens remain locked. This practice would function similarly to forward contracts.
Therefore, analysts expect a minimal direct effect on the price. This is because most of the escrow is rolled over. Nonetheless, traders will closely watch how much Ripple decides to re-lock this month. A lower-than-usual figure could indicate higher planned sales activity.
The amount Ripple returns to escrow will be a key indicator. It will signal its liquidity strategy and sales approach heading into 2026. This Ripple’s scheduled XRP unlock occurs at a time of optimism. The asset traded between $2.30 and $2.68 in October.
This momentum was bolstered by Ripple’s institutional expansion. Evernorth, a firm backed by Ripple, announced plans for a $1 billion IPO. Likewise, Japan’s gumi Inc. joined Ripple and SBI Group. These moves reinforce XRP’s presence in institutional finance.
