Massive XRP Sell-Off: 66.5 Million XRP Moved to Major Crypto Exchanges in EU and Mexico

• Recent transactions have shifted nearly 70 million XRP to major cryptocurrency exchanges.
• This movement was conducted by anonymous holders targeting the European Union and Mexico-based exchanges.
• The transfers are part of strategic operations by Ripple Labs, coinciding with key price resistance levels.

A surge in XRP transactions sees nearly 70 million XRP moved to key exchanges, signaling strategic plays by major holders and Ripple Labs.

Large Scale XRP Transfers to Bitstamp and Bitso

In a significant display of crypto movement, Whale Alert has reported two substantial XRP transactions in the past 24 hours. These transactions involved a total of 66.5 million XRP, valued at approximately $30.6 million, transferred to Bitstamp in the European Union and Bitso in Mexico. The transactions, which included individual transfers of 30,370,000 and 33,200,000 XRP, demonstrate the scale and influence of crypto whales in the market.

XRP Price Reaction and Market Sentiment

The market has reacted noticeably to these movements. At the time these transactions were reported, XRP was attempting to overcome the resistance level of $0.48736. However, the price has since declined, trading at around $0.48000. This trend indicates a bearish outlook for XRP, with the asset currently navigating a descending channel, which often precedes further price declines.

Ripple’s Strategic Unlocking of One Billion XRP

On July 2, Ripple Labs executed its periodic release of XRP from escrow, unlocking one billion XRP in three transactions. This move is part of their established practice, aimed at maintaining liquidity and operational funding. The billion XRP (valued at around $476.8 million) were disbursed in batches of 500 million, 100 million, and 400 million XRP respectively.

Distribution and Usage of Unlocked Funds

Historically, Ripple has demonstrated a pattern of locking back a significant portion of the released XRP, typically around 800 million, to regulate supply and prevent market saturation. The remaining XRP is often converted to fiat to support operational costs or allocated to institutional clients. Notably, Ripple also utilizes part of these funds to cover legal expenses pertaining to its ongoing lawsuit with the SEC, which CEO Brad Garlinghouse speculated might conclude by September this year.

Conclusion

The recent large-scale transfers and escrow releases by Ripple signal strategic maneuvers in the XRP market. While these transactions might induce short-term price fluctuations, they also underscore Ripple’s efforts to maintain liquidity and meet operational demands. As Ripple navigates its legal challenges, these movements reflect a broader strategy aimed at sustaining market presence and preparing for future developments.