Ripple Releases 1B XRP in First 2026 Escrow Unlock

Ripple began 2026 with the release of 1 billion XRP from escrow. This marks the first scheduled unlock of the new year. The token release followed Ripple’s long-standing escrow timetable. It’s an unusual transaction memo that sparked confusion and debate across the XRP community. The episode highlights the mechanics of Ripple’s escrow system and the ongoing sensitivity around XRP sales and corporate strategy.

Scheduled Escrow Unlock Releases 1B XRP

At midnight on January 1, three separate escrow transactions unlocked a total of 1 billion XRP. Which is valued at roughly $1.84 billion at the time. The releases occurred within seconds of each other, consistent with Ripple’s monthly escrow structure. Blockchain data shows that 300 million XRP and 200 million XRP were sent to a Ripple-linked wallet commonly labeled “Ripple (28).” At the same time, another 500 million XRP moved to a second address, known as “Ripple (9).” 

Together, the two wallets received the full 1 billion XRP. As of the latest on-chain data, none of the newly released tokens have moved. Both wallets already held 500 million XRP from earlier releases. It leaves each address with a balance of 1 billion XRP. Notably, Ripple has not yet relocked any portion of the unlocked supply back into escrow.

Transaction Memo Sparks Community Backlash

The controversy did not stem from the unlock itself, but from a memo attached to the transactions. The message claimed that Ripple sold more than $8 billion worth of XRP in 2025 to fund company acquisitions. This also suggested that even larger XRP sales would follow in 2026. The memo also referenced the company’s focus on expanding its business and growing its RLUSD stablecoin. 

It framing the message as a sarcastic “thank you” to long-term XRP holders. Many readers initially believed the statement came directly from Ripple. However, the message did not originate from the company. Anyone can trigger an escrow release once the preset time arrives and the initiating wallet can attach any memo it chooses. Ripple does not control who initiates the release or what message is included.

Ripple Clarifies Escrow Mechanics

Since 2017, Ripple has used time-locked escrows to release up to 1 billion XRP per month, aiming to provide supply predictability. While the unlocked tokens are sent to Ripple associated wallets. The company does not manually approve each release. This structure has occasionally caused confusion. Especially when third parties attach misleading or provocative messages. 

In this case, the memo appeared designed to impersonate Ripple and provoke a reaction within the community. They has not issued a public statement addressing the memo. Historically, the company has disclosed XRP sales through quarterly reports rather than on-chain messages.

Broader Context for XRP in 2026

The incident comes after a mixed 2025 for XRP. Institutional adoption expanded, yet price performance remained under pressure. Entering 2026, market participants continue to watch Ripple’s escrow activity closely, especially for signs of increased token sales. While speculation around acquisitions and RLUSD growth persists. 

The latest unlock itself did not signal a change in Ripple established escrow process. Instead, it underscored how easily users can spread misinformation when they take on-chain data out of context. Currently, the newly unlocked XRP remains untouched. The focus shifts to whether Ripple will relock tokens or deploy them as the year unfolds.