In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, few events generate as much buzz as a massive token transfer. Recently, the XRP community was set ablaze by the movement of 640 million XRP across the blockchain—valued at nearly $1.4 billion—sparking speculation, theories, and intense scrutiny. Was this Ripple releasing escrow funds early? Are whales accumulating? Or is there a more strategic player behind the scenes?
Thanks to blockchain transparency and real-time tracking tools like Whale Alert and XRPscan, we now have a clearer picture of what really occurred. This article breaks down the transfer details, identifies the likely actor involved, and explores what this means for XRP’s market dynamics and future outlook.
The Massive 640 Million XRP Movement
On June 30, blockchain analytics platform Whale Alert detected three unusually large XRP transactions totaling 640,000,000 XRP. These weren't just random trades—they were bulk transfers between anonymous wallets, each carrying significant value:
- First transfer: 320,000,000 XRP (~$703.5 million at the time)
- Second transfer: 160,000,000 XRP (~$351.7 million)
- Third transfer: 160,000,000 XRP (~$351.7 million)
The total value approached $1.41 billion, making it one of the largest single-day XRP movements in recent memory.
All transfers originated from the same source wallet and were sent to another wallet ending in -QjNRCZ, as confirmed by data from XRPscan. While the wallets appear anonymous on the surface, deeper analysis reveals institutional fingerprints.
👉 Discover how major crypto movements like this shape market trends and investor behavior.
SBI VC Trade: Ripple’s Top Partner in Japan Behind the Move
Contrary to early speculation that Ripple itself had prematurely released escrow funds, evidence points to SBI VC Trade, a leading Japanese digital asset exchange and one of Ripple’s most strategic partners.
According to insights shared by the well-known XRP tracking account @XRPwallets, the initial 320 million XRP originated from SBI VC Trade 4, an institutional wallet linked to SBI’s crypto operations. This large sum was then split into two 160 million XRP transfers within BitGo’s self-custody infrastructure.
"Internal Bitgo Initialization Wallet (Self Custody) transaction.
This is the 320M that was just sent from SBI VC Trade 4. Now forwarded as two 160M transactions within Bitgo Init. Wallet."
— @XRPwallets
This kind of internal restructuring is common among institutional players managing large volumes of digital assets. It suggests portfolio rebalancing, cold storage migration, or preparation for future over-the-counter (OTC) trading activity—not panic selling or market dumping.
SBI Group has long been a cornerstone of Ripple’s expansion in Asia, particularly in Japan where regulatory clarity supports institutional crypto adoption. Their continued active management of XRP holdings signals ongoing confidence in the asset's utility and long-term value.
Why This Matters for the XRP Ecosystem
Large-scale movements like this naturally stir concern among retail investors fearing price volatility. However, understanding the context behind such transfers is crucial.
1. Not an Escrow Release
Ripple releases XRP from escrow on a monthly basis under transparent reporting. This transfer did not align with Ripple’s scheduled release calendar, nor did it originate from known escrow addresses. Therefore, fears of uncontrolled supply influx are unfounded.
2. Institutional Activity, Not Retail Panic
The involvement of SBI—a regulated financial institution—highlights growing institutional engagement with XRP. Unlike speculative retail traders, institutions like SBI operate with long-term strategies involving custody solutions, compliance protocols, and strategic positioning.
3. Positive Sign for Market Liquidity
Transferring large amounts into secure self-custody systems often precedes increased liquidity provisioning or OTC desk readiness. This could mean better market depth and tighter spreads in the near term.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Reaffirms $50 XRP Price Target
Amid the market chatter, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse reignited bullish sentiment with a powerful reminder of his long-term vision for XRP.
Responding to a viral tweet featuring his now-famous XRP tattoo, Garlinghouse simply commented: “1000%”—referring to his belief that XRP will rise tenfold from its previous price point at the time (around $5), ultimately reaching **$50 per coin**.
While current prices hover around $2.18, the message resonates deeply with the “XRP Army.” Garlinghouse has consistently maintained that XRP’s true value lies in its real-world utility:
- Cross-border payments via RippleNet
- Central bank digital currency (CBDC) integrations
- On-demand liquidity (ODL) solutions reducing FX settlement times
His confidence isn’t based on hype—it’s rooted in ongoing global adoption and partnerships with financial institutions across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
👉 See how top executives’ predictions influence crypto markets and investor psychology.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the 640 million XRP transfer?
The transfer was part of internal asset management by SBI VC Trade, Ripple’s key partner in Japan. It involved splitting a large holding into smaller chunks within a self-custody wallet system—likely for security or operational readiness—not for immediate sale.
Did Ripple release escrow funds early?
No credible evidence supports this claim. The transaction did not originate from Ripple’s official escrow addresses, and the timing doesn’t match their monthly release schedule.
Is this bad for XRP’s price?
Not necessarily. Institutional movements like this often precede strategic use cases rather than sell-offs. In fact, they can signal confidence and improve market infrastructure.
Who owns the receiving wallet (-QjNRCZ)?
The wallet is anonymous on-chain, but transaction patterns suggest it belongs to a custodial service like BitGo used by SBI. Full ownership details remain private due to institutional privacy protocols.
Could this affect XRP’s regulatory status?
Unlikely. These transfers were between compliant entities in regulated markets (e.g., Japan). They don’t impact ongoing U.S. SEC litigation or classification debates.
What does Brad Garlinghouse mean by ‘1000% bullish’?
He reaffirmed his belief that XRP will increase tenfold in value over time. While $50 may seem ambitious today, it reflects confidence in XRP’s role in transforming global payments and financial inclusion.
Final Thoughts: Transparency Over Hype
The mystery behind the 640 million XRP transfer has been solved—not by rumors or speculation, but by transparent blockchain data and informed analysis. What initially looked like a potential market shock turned out to be routine institutional activity by a trusted Ripple ally.
For investors and enthusiasts alike, this event underscores a critical lesson: in crypto, context is everything. Large transactions don’t always mean sell-offs or panic—they can signal preparation, growth, and long-term planning.
As Ripple continues expanding its footprint and partners like SBI strengthen their positions, XRP remains positioned at the intersection of innovation and real-world utility.
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