XRP News Today: Ripple Holds 55 of XRP Supply Amid Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny

A recently updated infographic has reignited discussions around the ownership and control of XRP, the digital asset underpinning the XRP Ledger. The visualization, attributed to SBI Holdings, provides a detailed breakdown of XRP’s supply and highlights the extent of Ripple’s control over the token. According to the data, XRP's total supply remains capped at 100 billion tokens, with approximately 59.24 billion currently in active circulation. As of July 28, the market value of this circulating supply was estimated at 28.6 trillion yen [1].

The infographic reveals that a significant portion of XRP—approximately 35.9 billion tokens—remains locked under escrow restrictions, representing nearly 40% of the total supply. These tokens are subject to predefined conditions and cannot be freely sold or transferred before certain time-based milestones are met [1]. This structured release mechanism helps prevent supply shocks and contributes to long-term market stability. Additionally, nearly 10 million XRP have been permanently removed from circulation through transaction fees, a deflationary process designed to curb inflation over time [1].

Ripple’s holdings have also come under scrutiny. As of March 2025, the company held non-circulating assets valued at approximately 13.4 trillion yen. By July 2025, this figure had risen to 19.7 trillion yen, not due to new accumulation but as a result of market valuation adjustments [1]. Despite the large balance sheet, most of Ripple’s holdings are either locked in escrow or subject to controlled release plans, limiting the company’s ability to influence daily market movements directly [1].

The ownership structure of XRP underscores ongoing debates about decentralization and corporate governance in the cryptocurrency sector. While Ripple has committed to releasing XRP in accordance with a predefined monthly sales plan, critics argue that the company’s control of over 55% of the total supply raises concerns about market manipulation and regulatory scrutiny [1]. The recent developments in Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have further complicated the situation. A partial court victory in July 2025 brought some clarity but left the regulatory landscape in flux [1].

Analysts warn that Ripple’s control over such a large portion of XRP could draw skepticism from regulators, particularly in jurisdictions with strict securities laws. The high concentration of tokens in the company’s possession also raises concerns about price volatility and market stability, especially in a sector still maturing and highly sensitive to external influences [1]. However, XRP has experienced a 41.43% price increase in recent months, driven by investor optimism and broader market developments, including growing institutional interest [1].

The ongoing discussion around XRP ownership highlights the need for greater transparency in token distribution and corporate governance across the industry. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, projects with large concentrations of native tokens will likely face increased pressure to demonstrate compliance with fair market practices. Ripple’s current approach, which includes gradual token sales and a structured escrow strategy, is seen as a positive step, but further measures may be necessary to address lingering concerns about market influence [1].

The situation with XRP reflects broader trends in the cryptocurrency market, where token ownership and governance are increasingly under the spotlight. Investors, regulators, and developers are all paying closer attention to how token distributions are managed, with imbalances likely to attract further scrutiny. The outcome of Ripple’s legal proceedings and the evolving regulatory environment will be key factors in shaping the future of XRP and the company’s role in the market.

Source: [1]https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688f4a7ffdeef146ee24a842/