The cryptocurrency market is preparing for significant token unlocks in the upcoming week, which may introduce increased volatility.
Recent information indicates that the crypto sector will experience token unlocks totaling more than $428 million from March 18 to 24.
This schedule will feature a combination of cliff unlocks and linear releases. Cliff unlocks refer to substantial, one-time token distributions, whereas linear unlocks will systematically release tokens throughout the week.
The standout unlock will be from Polyhedra Network (ZKJ), which plans to issue 15.53 million ZKJ tokens—about 25.72% of its circulating supply—on March 19 at 12 AM UTC.
On the preceding day, Fasttoken will unlock 20 million FTN tokens valued at $79.8 million, representing 4.6% of its total supply. Additionally, the AI-centered project QuantixAI will see approximately $41.71 million in QAI tokens become available on the same day.
Other notable projects include Metars Genesis, releasing 10 million MRS tokens worth nearly $100 million, Mantra’s 5 million OM tokens valued at $34.5 million, and Melania Meme, which will unlock 26.25 million tokens amounting to $17.9 million during this timeframe.
Meanwhile, well-known projects such as Solana (SOL), Worldcoin (WLD), Celestia (TIA), Mantra (OM), and Dogecoin (DOGE) are set for significant linear unlocks, with daily token releases valued at $8.58 million, $4.55 million, $3.4 million, $2.61 million, and $2.38 million, respectively.
These unlocks are intended to manage the influx of new tokens into circulation, thereby helping to avoid drastic sell-offs by early investors or development teams, although they can exert short-term pressure on prices.
Previously, it was noted that Solana (SOL) experienced a 9% drop to its lowest point since mid-October as investors sold off assets ahead of a March 1 unlock involving 11.2 million SOL from the FTX bankruptcy estate.
At the time of this writing, SOL had fallen by 6%; TIA, WLD, and DOGE also faced declines, while OM surprised with a gain of 4.7%.
The anticipated token unlocks arrive during a period of broader market unease. Heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China, exacerbated by recent tariffs from the Trump administration, have sparked concerns of a global economic slowdown, leading investors to tread cautiously around risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, the Federal Reserve’s hawkish view on interest rates amid ongoing inflation worries is contributing to this uncertainty.
As of the latest update, the overall cryptocurrency market capitalization had declined by over 3%, settling at $2.81 trillion in the past 24 hours.