XRP Climbs Past $2 Amid 500 Million Tokens Escrow Lock Until 2028

Alexey Bondarev
Alexey BondarevJan, 04 2026 4:23
Digital asset trades above two-dollar support level following weekend rally (Image: Shutterstock)
Digital asset trades above two-dollar support level following weekend rally (Image: Shutterstock)

XRP price climbed above $2 as over 500 million tokens were locked in escrow until 2028, removing more than $1 billion from circulation. Long-term holders have resumed accumulation after nearly a month of selling pressure, signaling renewed confidence in sustained upside.

What Happened: Supply Lock

On-chain data shows that over 500 million XRP were recently transferred into an escrow mechanism designed to lock supply until 2028. This action removes more than $1 billion worth of XRP from circulation, altering market conditions by limiting available liquidity during periods of rising demand.

The altcoin's recovery allowed XRP to briefly surpass BNB in market capitalization rankings.

This development marks a resurgence in investor interest following weeks of consolidation.

Escrow-based supply locks tend to have stronger price impact when demand remains stable. With fewer tokens available for trading, even modest increases in demand can lead to outsized price reactions, creating conditions for a potential supply shock.

Also Read: Bitcoin Falls Under $90,000 Amid U.S. Strikes On Venezuela

Why It Matters: Accumulation Returns

The HODLer net position change metric shows long-term holders shifting back into accumulation. Over the past week, wallets classified as LTHs have consistently increased their XRP balances, marking a clear reversal from nearly a month of steady selling pressure.

Long-term holders typically reduce exposure during uncertainty and re-enter when confidence returns.

Their renewed buying suggests belief in sustained upside rather than a short-term price spike, while older wallet activity often provides structural support during rallies by reducing downside volatility.

XRP price is up 6.7% over the last 24 hours, trading near $2.05 at the time of writing.

However, downside risks remain present. If selling pressure intensifies, XRP could slip back to $1.90, with a loss of this support exposing the price to $1.86 and invalidating the bullish thesis.

Read Next: Historical Data Suggests 70-75% Chance Of XRP Reversal Within Eight Weeks

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Alexey Bondarev

Alexey Bondarev is the Head of Content at Yellow.com, having reported on crypto for the last 10 years. He specializes in in-depth Research and Learn pieces, with a focus on analytical reporting, industry context, and the bigger forces shaping crypto, from the AI era and security technologies to fintech innovation. He believes that everything digital will imminently overcome everything analogue and is working hard to make that come true.

Disclaimer and Risk Warning: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on the author's opinion. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and subject to high risk, including the risk of losing all or a substantial amount of your investment. Trading or holding crypto assets may not be suitable for all investors. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent the official policy or position of Yellow, its founders, or its executives. Always conduct your own thorough research (D.Y.O.R.) and consult a licensed financial professional before making any investment decision.
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XRP Climbs Past $2 Amid 500 Million Tokens Escrow Lock Until 2028 | Yellow