Bootstrap
Trading Non Stop
ar | bg | cz | dk | de | el | en | es | fi | fr | in | hu | id | it | ja | kr | nl | no | pl | br | ro | ru | sk | sv | th | tr | uk | ur | vn | zh | zh-tw |

When is XRP escrow unlock?

XRP (XRP) has its next scheduled escrow release on January 1, 2026 (UTC), when 1 billion XRP tokens will become available, according to the CoinMarketCap page and a recent report.

  1. Since 2017, XRP has been released from escrow in monthly batches of up to 1 billion tokens to keep supply predictable, as explained in a coverage summary.
  2. Ripple usually locks back most of the unlocked XRP—between 60% and 80%—according to a recent writeup.
  3. Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) says these scheduled releases are already factored into XRP’s price, based on his comments in a news article.

Deep Dive

1. Next Release Date

The next XRP escrow release is set for January 1, 2026 (UTC). On this date, 1 billion XRP tokens will be unlocked as part of the regular monthly schedule, according to a recent report.

This timing follows a consistent pattern of early-month releases and is closely watched by traders who track XRP’s on-chain activity and potential changes in market liquidity.

2. Monthly Release Pattern

In 2017, Ripple placed 55 billion XRP into escrow accounts with time-locked contracts. These contracts release up to 1 billion XRP tokens each month to provide transparency and make supply more predictable, as detailed in a coverage summary.

This setup allows the market to anticipate when new XRP supply might enter circulation. It also creates a regular event that analysts monitor, reducing surprises and helping investors plan accordingly.

3. Re-locking and Market Impact

Historically, Ripple re-locks most of the XRP it unlocks from escrow—often between 60% and 80%. This means the actual increase in circulating XRP is usually much smaller than the 1 billion tokens unlocked, according to a recent writeup.

Ripple’s CTO has explained that because these releases are predictable, the market typically prices them in ahead of time. In other words, investors expect these events, so they don’t usually cause sudden price changes, as noted in a news piece.

What this means: The monthly unlock is a known event. The real impact on XRP’s price depends more on how much XRP Ripple decides to keep locked versus how much it puts into circulation.

Conclusion

XRP’s escrow releases happen on a predictable monthly schedule, with the next 1 billion XRP set to unlock on January 1, 2026. Most of the unlocked tokens are usually re-locked, and market participants generally expect these releases. Therefore, the actual effect on XRP’s price depends largely on how much XRP remains in circulation after the release, not just the total amount unlocked.


What could affect the price of XRP?

XRP is balancing promising technology upgrades with broader market risks, as signals from ETFs and large investors (whales) show mixed trends.

  1. Protocol Upgrades – Ripple’s XRPL plans for 2026 include new features like lending and privacy tools aimed at institutions.
  2. ETF Activity – Over $1 billion flowed into XRP ETFs, while the broader crypto market saw $446 million in outflows, creating some tension.
  3. Whale Activity – Large XRP holders added 330 million tokens in December 2025, but increased deposits to exchanges suggest some profit-taking.

Deep Dive

1. Protocol Upgrades (Positive Outlook)

Ripple’s 2026 roadmap for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) includes launching a built-in lending system for institutions, confidential tokens that protect transaction details, and integration with the RLUSD stablecoin. These upgrades aim to make XRP a key asset for collateral and settlement in tokenized finance (MOLT MEDIA).

What this means: Adding lending features could bring more institutional money into XRP, while privacy improvements might encourage use in regulated financial sectors. Historically, XRP saw a huge price increase (about 1200%) after a major escrow lockup in 2017, so similar demand shifts could happen again.

2. Regulatory & ETF Dynamics (Mixed Signals)

U.S.-based XRP ETFs currently manage $1.2 billion in assets, but the crypto market overall experienced $446 million in outflows last week. While the SEC settlement with Ripple has clarified some regulatory questions, broader economic concerns like interest rate hikes and Japan’s debt issues remain.

What this means: Growth in XRP ETFs might balance out retail investors pulling money out, but XRP’s price is still closely linked to Bitcoin’s performance (Bitcoin dominance is 59%). If XRP falls below the $1.77 support level, it could trigger sell-offs across many altcoins.

3. Whale Behavior & Supply (Neutral to Slightly Negative)

Large XRP holders (whales) increased their holdings by 330 million tokens in late December 2025. However, on December 19, 116 million XRP were moved to exchanges, which often signals selling pressure (NewsBTC).

What this means: While big buys can lead to price rallies, Ripple’s escrow system releases 1 billion XRP monthly from a total of 55 billion locked tokens, creating ongoing selling pressure. The 90-day MACD indicator at -0.067 shows weak momentum despite the accumulation.

Conclusion

XRP’s outlook for 2026 depends on whether institutional interest (through ETF inflows and XRPL upgrades) can overcome macroeconomic challenges and the steady supply from escrow releases. Keep an eye on the $1.77 support level—holding above it could mean buyers are stepping in, while falling below might lead to further declines, continuing the recent 35% drop this quarter.

Will XRP’s new lending protocol spark a shift toward “institutional DeFi” before broader market risks grow?


What are people saying about XRP?

XRP’s price is currently testing the $1.85 level, with opinions divided between hopeful technical signs and broader market caution. Here’s what’s trending:

  1. Technical analysis suggests a possible rebound to $2.35–$2.88 despite recent weakness
  2. Warning signs of a downward trend appear on weekly charts
  3. ETF investments indicate growing interest from institutions

Deep Dive

1. @bpaynews: Year-end rebound targets $2.88 bullish

“XRP price prediction shows potential recovery to $2.35–$2.88 range by December 31st, with technical indicators suggesting oversold conditions near critical support.”
– @bpaynews (2K followers · 419K impressions · 2025-12-25 09:31 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a positive sign for XRP. When an asset is “oversold,” it means it has dropped in price too quickly and may be due for a bounce back. The support level between $1.75 and $1.82 is a key price point where buyers often step in, increasing the chance of a rebound.

2. @CryptoOnchain: Bearish divergence sounds alarm

“Weekly RSI divergence + collapsing open interest signal fading momentum. $1.80 breakdown risks cascade to $1.60.”
– @CryptoOnchain (1.6K followers · 962K impressions · 2025-12-28 17:36 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a warning sign. “Bearish divergence” means that while prices might look stable or rising, the momentum behind them is weakening. “Open interest” refers to the number of active contracts in trading; a sharp drop (-46% on Binance) suggests traders are pulling out, which could lead to more selling and a price drop toward $1.60.

3. @RipBullWinkle: Banks position for XRP integration

“Banks and institutions are positioning for $XRP integration. RLUSD stablecoin + ETF pipelines deepen utility.”
– @RipBullWinkle (130K followers · 13.1K impressions · 2025-12-26 02:46 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is cautiously optimistic. Banks and large investors are preparing to use XRP more, especially with tools like the RLUSD stablecoin and potential ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) that could make investing easier. However, these developments are still in progress, so their full impact is uncertain.

Conclusion

The outlook for XRP is mixed. Technical signals suggest the price could drop in the short term, but growing interest from institutions and partnerships hint at long-term growth. The $1.75–$1.82 price range is critical: holding this level could lead to a price recovery, while falling below it might confirm further declines. Given the current cautious mood in the crypto market (CoinMarketCap Fear & Greed Index at 30), XRP’s next move will likely depend on how Bitcoin performs.


What is the latest news about XRP?

XRP is balancing growing interest from institutions with selling pressure as 2026 approaches. Here’s the latest update:

  1. Ripple’s 2026 Roadmap (December 29, 2025) – Planned upgrades aim to make XRP a leader in regulated decentralized finance (DeFi).
  2. Exchange Inflows Spike (December 29, 2025) – Large amounts of XRP moved to exchanges, signaling increased selling that could push prices lower.
  3. ETF Inflows Surge (December 29, 2025) – U.S. XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) attracted over $1 billion, even as the overall crypto market saw outflows.

Deep Dive

1. Ripple’s 2026 Roadmap (December 29, 2025)

Overview: Ripple’s plan for 2026 focuses on expanding XRP’s use in regulated finance. This includes launching a lending platform directly on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), introducing confidential Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs), and adding zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology to enhance privacy. Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, will help make cross-border payments faster and more efficient.
What this means: These developments are positive for XRP because they aim to make the XRP Ledger a central platform for institutional investors and compliant DeFi applications. However, the timeline for adoption and potential regulatory challenges remain important risks. (MOLT MEDIA)

2. Exchange Inflows Spike (December 29, 2025)

Overview: On December 19, XRP inflows to Binance jumped to 116 million tokens, according to CryptoQuant. This suggests that some investors are selling to take profits or cut losses. Additionally, large holders (whales) reduced their XRP holdings by 40 million tokens, adding to the selling pressure.
What this means: Continued selling could push XRP’s price below the $1.87 level. Traders are closely watching the $1.80 to $1.85 range as a potential support zone where the price might stabilize. (NewsBTC)

3. ETF Inflows Surge (December 29, 2025)

Overview: Despite a general outflow of $952 million weekly from the crypto market, U.S. spot XRP ETFs have attracted more than $1 billion since November 2025. Fabian Dori from Sygnum Bank described these ETFs as “crucial for finance’s future.”
What this means: This shows growing institutional confidence in XRP’s compliance with regulations. However, the success of these ETFs will still depend on the overall market conditions. (CoinMarketCap)

Conclusion

XRP is entering 2026 with strong plans for growth but faces short-term challenges from profit-taking and market fluctuations. The key question is whether Ripple’s technology upgrades can balance out the selling pressure from exchanges as institutional ETFs continue to gain momentum.


What is expected in the development of XRP?

XRP’s 2026 roadmap centers on expanding institutional decentralized finance (DeFi), upgrading technology, and growing its ecosystem, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

  1. Institutional Lending Protocol (Q1 2026) – A built-in lending system with identity checks to meet regulations.
  2. Confidential MPTs & Privacy (2026) – New privacy tools for secure, private transactions.
  3. XRPL Amendments (January 2026) – Technical fixes to improve automated market makers (AMMs), escrows, and ledger data.
  4. Japan/Korea Fund Deployment (2026) – 1 billion XRP dedicated to supporting developers in Asia-Pacific.
  5. EVM Sidechain Expansion (Q1 2026) – A new bridge connecting XRP Ledger to Ethereum and 55+ other blockchains.

Deep Dive

1. Institutional Lending Protocol (Q1 2026)

What it is: XRP Ledger will add a lending feature that allows institutions like market makers and fintech companies to offer fixed-rate loans. This system uses “Single Asset Vaults” to keep risks separate and supports both public and private participation (Ripple, 2025).
Why it matters: This could increase XRP’s use as collateral and improve liquidity. However, success depends on regulatory approval and whether institutions adopt it.

2. Confidential MPTs & Privacy (2026)

What it is: Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs) on XRP Ledger will get privacy upgrades using zero-knowledge proofs. This means institutions can make private transactions that are still auditable for compliance (RippleX, 2025).
Why it matters: This strengthens XRP Ledger’s appeal for regulated financial services. The challenge will be implementing privacy without slowing down the network.

3. XRPL Amendments (January 2026)

What it is: Five important updates in Rippled 3.0.0 will fix issues like rounding errors in AMMs, improve escrow accounting, and clean up ledger metadata. Validators will vote on these changes by January 2026 (Bitcoinist, 2025).
Why it matters: These fixes improve the developer experience but are unlikely to directly impact XRP’s price unless transaction volumes increase.

4. Japan/Korea Fund Deployment (2026)

What it is: Ripple is allocating 1 billion XRP to support developer growth, hackathons, and partnerships in Japan and Korea. Early projects benefiting include VWBL Protocol and Moia Finance (XRPL Apex, 2024).
Why it matters: This investment could drive long-term growth in the XRP ecosystem, especially if local regulations remain supportive and new use cases emerge.

5. EVM Sidechain Expansion (Q1 2026)

What it is: The XRP Ledger’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain will switch from XLS-38d to a new bridge by Axelar. This will connect XRP Ledger with Ethereum, Cosmos, and over 55 other blockchains, pending community approval (Flare, 2025).
Why it matters: This will attract more developers and increase interoperability. However, delays could happen due to the complexity of cross-chain security checks.

Conclusion

XRP’s 2026 plans focus on building institutional DeFi tools, improving cross-chain connections, and growing its presence in Asia-Pacific. While technical fixes address existing issues, new privacy and lending features could open up fresh opportunities. The big question remains: will institutional demand for compliant DeFi on XRP outpace competition from platforms like Ethereum and Solana?


What updates are there in the XRP code base?

The XRP Ledger received important updates in the last quarter of 2025, focusing on making the network more stable, scalable, and ready for big financial institutions.

  1. Directory Limit Fix & Critical Patch (Dec 2025) – Fixed storage limits and a bug that could cause network slowdowns.
  2. Post-Consensus Stability & Dependency Upgrades (Aug 2025) – Fixed memory leaks and software conflicts from a previous update.
  3. Batch Transactions & Permissioned DEX (Jun 2025) – Added support for grouped transactions and controlled trading on decentralized exchanges.

Deep Dive

1. Directory Limit Fix & Critical Patch (Dec 2025)

Overview: The 2.6.2 update removed limits on how many entries can be stored in the ledger and fixed a bug that caused nodes to crash under heavy use.

Details:

What this means:
This is positive for XRP because it allows the network to support large-scale projects and decentralized finance (DeFi) activities without interruptions. (Source)

2. Post-Consensus Stability & Dependency Upgrades (Aug 2025)

Overview: Version 2.6.1 rolled back problems from the earlier 2.6.0 release, fixing memory leaks and software library conflicts while keeping important features.

Details:

What this means:
This update is neutral for XRP’s growth but important for keeping the network stable. Node operators need to upgrade to avoid disruptions. (Source)

3. Batch Transactions & Permissioned DEX (Jun 2025)

Overview: Version 2.5.0 introduced the ability to group transactions so they happen all at once, plus new controls for decentralized exchanges to meet regulatory requirements.

Details:

What this means:
This is a strong positive for XRP, making the XRP Ledger more attractive for institutional DeFi projects and competing with platforms like Ethereum and Solana. (Source)

Conclusion

The recent XRP Ledger updates focus on scaling the network for large token projects and institutional use, while improving reliability. Although these changes might not immediately affect XRP’s price, they build a stronger foundation for real-world asset applications. The question remains: will regulated DeFi on the XRP Ledger outpace competitors in 2026?


Why did the price of XRP fall?

XRP dropped 0.66% to $1.85 in the last 24 hours, continuing a downward trend over the past week (-2.9%) and month (-16.1%). The main factors behind this movement are:

  1. Spike in XRP Moving to Exchanges – About 116 million XRP were transferred to Binance in mid-December, indicating increased selling pressure.
  2. Technical Breakdown – XRP fell below a key support level at $1.90, triggering more selling momentum.
  3. Difference in Demand Between Institutions and Retail Investors – While institutional investors poured a record $424 million into XRP ETFs in December, retail investors remain skeptical.

In-Depth Analysis

1. Increased Selling Pressure on Exchanges (Bearish)

Since December 15, daily XRP inflows to exchanges have jumped significantly, ranging from 35 million to 116 million XRP per day (TradingView). Binance saw a 231% increase in deposits week-over-week. This shift suggests that long-term holders are starting to sell or give up after XRP’s price dropped 50% from its 2025 high of $3.66. More XRP being available to sell on exchanges puts downward pressure on the price, especially during the typically quiet holiday trading period when fewer buyers are active.

2. Technical Breakdown (Bearish)

XRP’s price fell below the important $1.90 support level, with technical analysis pointing to a next support zone between $1.80 and $1.85. Resistance levels are seen at the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) of $2.58 and the Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of $2.42.
This breakdown confirms a bearish trend, as XRP has been making lower highs since November. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 40.14, indicating the price is not yet oversold, and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a weak bullish signal that lacks strong volume support.

3. Institutional vs. Retail Sentiment (Mixed)

Spot XRP ETFs attracted $70.2 million in inflows last week (CoinShares), showing strong interest from institutional investors. However, retail investors remain pessimistic, according to social sentiment data from Santiment.
This split means institutions are buying XRP at discounted prices (with 750 million XRP taken off exchanges in 2025), while retail traders are discouraged by the price drop. This situation could lead to a "supply squeeze" over the long term but does not provide immediate price support due to low trading volume.

Conclusion

XRP’s recent price drop is driven by profit-taking from early investors, technical factors, and a gap between institutional buying and retail skepticism. Although ETF inflows totaling $1.1 billion suggest strong underlying demand, a sustained price recovery likely depends on Bitcoin stabilizing above $90,000 and XRP maintaining support around $1.80.

Key point to watch: Will XRP close above the 50% Fibonacci retracement level at $2.00 this week to challenge the current bearish trend?