Ripple’s Upcoming XRP Release: What to Expect in February 2026
In alignment with its ongoing monthly schedule, Ripple is preparing to release 1 billion XRP from escrow on February 1, 2026. This marks the second token unlock of the year. Ripple’s routine release of XRP is a significant event in the cryptocurrency calendar, drawing attention from investors and market analysts alike.
Understanding Ripple’s February 2026 XRP Release
Historically, despite the scheduled release of 1 billion XRP, not the entire amount is introduced into the market. Ripple adheres to a transparency and supply predictability strategy. While 1 billion XRP is unlocked at the start of each month, a substantial portion is typically re-escrowed, with only a fraction allocated for operational or liquidity purposes. This approach aims to manage the circulating supply effectively.
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With the upcoming release just days away, the key question remains: How much of this XRP will Ripple choose to circulate, and what impact might this have on XRP’s market price in early February?
Ripple’s Escrow Strategy Explained
The February release follows a similar event in January, where Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP but re-escrowed 70% of it, amounting to 700 million XRP. This strategy has become central to Ripple’s escrow management, ensuring that while a large amount of XRP is technically unlocked, the immediate supply is controlled by re-escrowing the majority.
This predictable release pattern, coupled with consistent re-escrowing, has historically moderated any direct impact on the XRP price. Market movements tend to be more influenced by broader cryptocurrency trends and demand shifts rather than the scheduled releases themselves.
Market Reactions and Influencing Factors
For instance, on January 1, 2026, the first escrow release of the year, XRP was valued at approximately $1.84. By January 2, it appreciated to $1.91, marking a 2.74% increase. However, this price movement was largely driven by external factors rather than the escrow release. Noteworthy catalysts included Japan’s significant tax reforms in 2026, which reduced cryptocurrency taxes from 55% to 20% and paved the way for the nation’s inaugural XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), generating substantial market interest.
As a result, despite the headline figures of “1 billion” and “700 million XRP,” the actual influence on XRP’s price is often minimal. Instead, the price is more closely tied to broader altcoin sentiment and technical analysis.
By maintaining a strategic approach to XRP releases, Ripple continues to balance market stability with its operational needs. As February 2026 approaches, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Ripple’s decisions and market reactions, eager to glean insights into the evolving dynamics of the cryptocurrency market.
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