XRP News Today: XRP On the Move—$320M Transferred as Ripple Token Unlock Nears

A massive $703 million XRP transfer has shaken the blockchain just days before Ripple’s scheduled 1 billion token unlock—raising eyebrows across the crypto space.

Japan’s SBI Holdings moved 320 million XRP in a single transaction, sparking speculation of strategic positioning ahead of Ripple’s routine monthly release. With the unlock set to increase circulating supply, traders and analysts are watching closely for signs of institutional activity and potential market impact.

Whale Alert Flags $703M XRP Transfer

Blockchain tracking service Whale Alert first reported the transaction, noting its significant size and timing. SBI Holdings, a long-time partner of Ripple, shifted the 320 million XRP to an unknown wallet address, fueling speculation of a preemptive market strategy.

320 million XRP, worth approximately $703.5 million, was transferred between two unknown wallets. Source: Whale Alert via X

Ripple routinely unlocks 1 billion XRP at the start of each month, impacting the XRP price by expanding available liquidity. These scheduled releases are a part of Ripple’s original token distribution model and remain a major point of interest for traders and investors.

While neither Ripple nor SBI has issued public statements about the intent behind the move, analysts suggest the transfer may represent portfolio rebalancing or liquidity preparation ahead of the token release. The action aligns with typical institutional behavior, where large players adjust exposure before high-volume events to avoid price disruption or capitalize on volatility.

XRP Price Rises Despite Whale Activity

Despite the sheer size of the transfer, XRP price today remains largely unaffected. The XRP price today hits $2.25, breaking out of its recent range-bound movement between $2.10 and $2.20. This bullish breakout suggests strong market absorption of high-volume flows and potential confidence from buyers near current levels.

XRP was trading at around $2.252, up 1.72% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source:XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) viaBrave New Coin

According to technical analysts, XRP is currently trading within an ascending channel, repeatedly bouncing off support and building toward resistance. This pattern, often described as a “stair-step” formation, is viewed by some traders as a precursor to breakout scenarios.

Lingrid, a prominent chart analyst, noted that XRP has respected the $2.00 support, calling it a key psychological floor that could act as a launchpad if momentum builds. “Price is coiling above a key support area. With increasing volume, XRP could retest the $2.45 resistance zone,” she stated.

This sentiment aligns with broader XRP price prediction 2025 models that anticipate gradual accumulation followed by significant upside, especially as regulatory clarity continues to emerge.

Strategic Positioning Ahead of Token Unlock

The timing of SBI’s transfer suggests more than coincidence. Large-scale moves ahead of Ripple’s monthly unlock are not unusual and often indicate institutional planning. These actions reflect calculated decisions to manage risk and liquidity or capitalize on anticipated market reactions.

Over 1 billion XRP tokens were recently unlocked from escrow. Source: Dylan Phillips via X

In addition to the transfer, broader investor attention is shifting toward upcoming catalysts, including potential developments in the Ripple vs SEC case and ongoing speculation about a future XRP ETF. The outcome of these factors could shape future XRP predictions and institutional interest.

SEC Appeal or ETF: What’s the Next Major Catalyst?

As Ripple gears up for its next token unlock, markets are also closely watching regulatory developments. The U.S. SEC recently approved a rule change to convert the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) into a spot ETF. Notably, this fund includes Ripple XRP, bringing the token closer to entering the U.S. spot ETF market alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, ADA, and Solana.

However, the SEC placed a temporary hold on launching the ETF, leaving the final decision in the agency’s hands. Meanwhile, some speculate that BlackRock may file for an XRP-spot ETF following a full resolution of the ongoing XRP lawsuit. The SEC’s next move—whether withdrawing its appeal or finalizing ETF approvals—could have major implications for XRP prices.

Data from Bitcoin spot ETFs show inflows of over $49.6 billion. A similar launch for XRP could inject massive liquidity and potentially trigger a new wave of institutional adoption.

Outlook: Will XRP Go Up After the Unlock?

While the XRP crypto news landscape remains active, the token’s immediate price action will likely be influenced by how the market digests the upcoming token unlock. If historical patterns hold, temporary volatility could follow, but XRP’s ability to hold above key support zones suggests underlying strength.

XRP was trading at around $2.26, up 1.8% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source:XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) viaBrave New Coin

For now, XRP news today remains centered on this strategic transfer and the brewing regulatory shift. As institutions maneuver and traders watch for breakout signals, the coming days could provide a clearer direction for Ripple XRP and its future price trajectory.

Whether XRP breaks above $2.45 or dips with supply pressure, one thing is certain—Ripple crypto remains at the heart of some of the most closely watched developments in the digital asset space.