Ripple Unlocks 1 Billion XRP from Escrow in May 2025 Amid Acquisition Rumors

San Francisco-based blockchain giant Ripple has released 1 billion XRP from escrow for May 2025, continuing its routine monthly distribution. The XRP was unlocked in three separate transactions late yesterday.

In the first transaction at 22:28 UTC, Ripple unlocked 200 million XRP worth approximately $440.5 million to one of its designated addresses, labeled Ripple (26). Just one minute later, the company transferred an additional 300 million XRP (around $660.8 million) to the same address. The final and largest transaction occurred at 22:31 UTC, when 500 million XRP (valued at $1.1 billion) was sent to a separate wallet, Ripple (27).

With this, Ripple has officially unlocked its full monthly allotment of 1 billion XRP, equivalent to $2.2 billion, for May 2025. Address Ripple (26) received 500 million XRP in two batches, while Ripple (27) received the remaining 500 million in a single transaction. At the time of reporting, both addresses held balances of 500 million XRP each.

Ripple Locks 700 Million XRP Back into Escrow

This major release comes exactly 24 hours after Ripple initiated the internal shuffling of the same 1 billion XRP, out of which 700 million XRP were relocked into escrow.

Address Ripple (26) transferred 500 million XRP to two different wallets: Ripple (1) received 300 million, while Ripple (14) got 200 million. Meanwhile, Ripple (27) distributed its 500 million XRP across three addresses: Ripple (14) (300 million), Ripple (15) (30 million), and Ripple (51) (170 million).

Following these transactions, Ripple (14) re-escrowed 500 million XRP, and Ripple (15) and Ripple (51) together locked away 200 million XRP. In total, 700 million XRP were returned to escrow, in line with Ripple’s updated distribution strategy.

Historically, Ripple would first release 1 billion XRP and then re-lock 700 million of it. However, in recent months, the company has reversed this sequence, first securing 700 million XRP in escrow before releasing the 1 billion allocation. The remaining 300 million XRP is typically used to enhance liquidity across crypto exchanges and support Ripple's ongoing business operations.

Ripple Reportedly Pursuing USDC Issuer Circle

Adding to the buzz, multiple reports suggest that Ripple is eyeing a major acquisition—the potential purchase of Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin.

According to insiders, Ripple initially offered $5 billion, but that proposal was reportedly declined by Circle. In response, Ripple allegedly raised its bid to a staggering $20 billion. However, the accuracy of this figure has been questioned by key industry players, including Dom Kwok, co-founder of Web3 education startup EasyA, who called the amount "implausible."

As of now, neither Ripple nor Circle has officially confirmed any negotiations. Still, this potential acquisition aligns with Ripple’s recent strategic pivot toward mergers and acquisitions, rather than pursuing an initial public offering (IPO).

Ripple's May 2025 escrow activity follows its well-established model of strategic token release and controlled supply management. With 1 billion XRP unlocked and 700 million re-secured, the company continues to balance ecosystem liquidity and market stability. Meanwhile, rumors of a Circle acquisition suggest Ripple’s broader ambition to expand its footprint in the stablecoin and payments sector.

Stay tuned as Ripple’s next moves could significantly influence the crypto market landscape in 2025 and beyond.