Ripple continued its monthly escrow release schedule on February 1, 2026, unlocking 1 billion XRP , of which about 300 million net tokens remained in circulation, against a backdrop of broad market weakness that has kept prices near multi-month lows.
On February 1, Ripple released 1 billion XRP from its structured escrow program, a predictable supply mechanism the company has used since 2017 to manage token issuance with transparency and limit abrupt supply shocks. The total unlock was distributed across multiple transfers, collectively valued at approximately $1.6 billion at the time of execution.
Following the unlock, Ripple subsequently relocked about 700 million XRP back into escrow contracts, as is customary in most months, leaving roughly 300 million XRP net added to the circulating supply. This practice is intended to balance Ripple’s operational needs with overall market stability.
Despite the routine nature of these releases, XRP’s price has remained under pressure alongside broader cryptocurrencies. In January 2026, the token fell more than 10.6%, hitting a low near $1.50, its weakest level since the market downturn in October 2025.
Scheduled supply release coincides with bearish sentiment in crypto markets
In early February, the bearish trend persisted, with XRP sliding an additional 6% or more, mirroring declines in major assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. At the time of reporting, the token was trading around $1.57, reflecting continued risk-off sentiment among traders.
Market observers note that, historically, XRP’s price action has been influenced more by broader market conditions and demand dynamics — including institutional flows into XRP exchange-traded products — than by the predictable monthly escrow unlocks themselves.
Technical analysis suggests XRP remains within a long-term descending channel, which has capped rallies and pushed prices lower over time. February has historically been a weak month for the token, increasing the risk of further downside if demand remains subdued.
However, some analysts see this phase as part of a prolonged consolidation that could set the stage for higher time-frame continuation once broader sentiment improves and key resistance levels are breached.
In summary, Ripple’s February escrow unlock adds a modest increase to circulating supply in a market already softened by bearish trends, with price action largely dictated by overall crypto market conditions rather than the scheduled release itself.
