The crypto market is bracing for a significant wave of token unlocks in early January 2025, with over $2.6 billion worth of digital assets scheduled for release between January 13 and January 19. This influx of tokens—many from high-profile blockchain projects—marks the end of vesting periods and could significantly influence supply-demand dynamics across multiple ecosystems.
Among the most anticipated releases, Ondo Finance leads the pack with the planned unlock of 1.94 billion ONDO tokens, valued at approximately $2.4 billion, on January 18. This single event accounts for the majority of the week’s total unlock value and may have far-reaching implications for investor sentiment and price stability.
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This unlocking phase represents the largest such event expected before mid-March, making it a critical moment for traders, long-term holders, and project teams alike. As new supplies enter circulation, markets will be watching closely for signs of increased selling pressure or resilient demand.
Key Projects Facing Major Token Unlocks
Ondo Finance (ONDO) – $2.4 Billion Release
Ondo Finance dominates the January unlock schedule with its upcoming release of 1.94 billion ONDO tokens. At current market valuations, this equates to roughly $2.4 billion in newly available supply.
Currently, ONDO has a market cap of $1.88 billion and a circulating supply of 1.38 billion tokens, meaning this unlock will more than double the available supply overnight. Such a dramatic increase can create short-term volatility, especially if early investors or team members choose to sell.
With 24-hour trading volume sitting at $194.63 million and daily volatility around 5.1%, ONDO is already an active trading asset. The unlock could amplify both upside momentum and downside risk, depending on market confidence and macro conditions.
Arbitrum (ARB) – $69.32 Million Unlock
On January 16, Arbitrum is set to release 2.2% of its circulating supply, amounting to $69.32 million in ARB tokens. As one of the leading Layer 2 scaling solutions for Ethereum, Arbitrum continues to play a pivotal role in reducing network congestion and transaction costs.
While the unlock size is relatively modest compared to Ondo, any large-scale release from a top-tier ecosystem can influence trader behavior. Given ARB’s strong developer activity and growing adoption, the market may absorb the new supply—provided there's no coordinated sell-off.
Starknet (STRK) – $27.55 Million Released
Also on January 16, Starknet will unlock $27.55 million** worth of **STRK** tokens. With a current market cap of **$1.06 billion and solid development momentum behind its zk-rollup technology, Starknet remains a key player in the future of scalable, secure blockchains.
STRK has shown low daily volatility (1.1%) and healthy trading volume ($60.81 million), suggesting a stable investor base. Still, sudden liquidity injections can test even resilient networks.
SEI Network (SEI) – $21.06 Million Unlock
The SEI network, known for its high-speed blockchain optimized for decentralized exchanges, will release $21.06 million** in tokens during this period. With a market cap of **$1.64 billion and strong trading volume ($124.75 million), SEI has built traction among DeFi traders seeking fast finality and low fees.
This unlock is relatively small in proportion to its overall supply but could still contribute to short-term price fluctuations.
Ethena (ENA) – $11.98 Million Enters Circulation
Ethena’s ENA token will see $11.98 million** unlocked, adding to its growing presence in the synthetic yield and on-chain derivatives space. ENA boasts a substantial market cap of **$2.87 billion and impressive daily trading volume ($592.81 million), indicating strong market engagement.
As interest grows in yield-generating protocols, how ENA handles this unlock could signal broader trends in user retention and protocol health.
ApeCoin (APE) & Echelon Prime (PRIME)
On January 17, two community-driven tokens—ApeCoin (APE) and Echelon Prime (PRIME)—will unlock $17.32 million** and **$10.07 million respectively.
APE remains central to the Bored Ape Yacht Club ecosystem, while PRIME powers gaming and metaverse experiences within the Echelon Prime platform. Both sectors—NFTs and Web3 gaming—are watching these unlocks closely as indicators of investor commitment.
Smaller releases include:
- CLOUD: $8.28 million
- PIXEL: $7.68 million (gaming-focused token)
- EIGEN: $4.16 million (EigenLayer’s restaking protocol)
Though individually minor, their cumulative effect adds to market-wide pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a token unlock?
A token unlock refers to the release of previously restricted or vested tokens into circulation. These tokens are often allocated to team members, investors, advisors, or ecosystem funds and are subject to lock-up periods to prevent immediate selling after launch.
👉 Learn how vesting schedules protect token economies and promote long-term growth.
Why do token unlocks affect prices?
When large volumes of tokens become available, they increase market supply. If demand doesn’t rise accordingly, prices may drop due to selling pressure from early stakeholders cashing out. However, if fundamentals remain strong, the market can absorb the influx without major disruption.
Are all unlocks negative for investors?
Not necessarily. While short-term price dips can occur, unlocks also signal project maturity and progress through development milestones. For strong projects with real utility, unlocks may present buying opportunities at lower prices.
How can traders prepare for token unlocks?
Traders should monitor unlock calendars, assess the proportion of new supply relative to circulating supply, and review project fundamentals. Setting stop-loss orders or adjusting positions ahead of time can help manage risk.
Can unlocks trigger wider market movements?
Yes—especially when major projects like Ondo or Arbitrum are involved. A sharp decline in one top-tier asset can trigger broader sell-offs across altcoins, particularly in uncertain or neutral market conditions.
What does "neutral market sentiment" mean for unlocks?
With the Fear & Greed Index currently at 50 (neutral), investors are neither overly fearful nor exuberant. This balanced sentiment means markets may react more rationally to unlocks—absorbing news without panic but also lacking strong buying momentum to counteract selling.
Market Outlook: Volatility Ahead?
The concentration of high-value unlocks in a single week creates a perfect storm for potential volatility. With over $2.6 billion entering circulation—from foundational protocols like Ondo Finance to emerging platforms like SEI and Ethena—the market faces a stress test.
However, context matters. Projects with strong fundamentals, active communities, and clear roadmaps are better positioned to weather these events. Conversely, weaker ecosystems may struggle under increased selling pressure.
Bitcoin recently faced resistance after gains in mid-December, pulling many altcoins lower in tandem. With total crypto market capitalization hovering around $3.3 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap, the stage is set for a potential rebound—if confidence returns.
Could Trump’s Inauguration Spark an Altcoin Surge?
Donald Trump’s scheduled inauguration on January 20, 2025, has fueled speculation about a possible altcoin season. Known for his pro-crypto stance during his presidency—including support for digital asset innovation—his return to office raises hopes for favorable regulatory developments.
A crypto-friendly administration could accelerate institutional adoption, ease compliance burdens, and boost investor confidence—especially in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and blockchain infrastructure sectors.
While political events don’t directly determine market outcomes, sentiment shifts can have real impacts. If markets perceive policy tailwinds ahead, the post-unlock dip could turn into a springboard for growth.
Final Thoughts
January 2025 marks a pivotal month for the crypto industry—not just because of political transitions, but due to structural changes in token supply dynamics.
Core keywords: token unlock, crypto market, Ondo Finance, ONDO, Arbitrum, Starknet, Ethena, altcoin season
As billions in locked tokens enter circulation, investors must stay informed, cautious, and strategic. Whether these unlocks lead to fire sales or foundation-building opportunities depends on project strength, market psychology, and macroeconomic signals.
👉 Stay ahead of the next big move—track real-time data and unlock events shaping the crypto landscape.