September Crypto Token Unlocks: $4.5B Hits Market – Top Projects & Investor Insights

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  • $4.5B in tokens set to unlock in September across major crypto projects.
  • Cliff unlocks ($1.17B) may create short-term supply shocks; linear unlocks ($3.36B) smooth impact.
  • Investors now focus on long-term fundamentals over unlock anxiety.

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Crypto investors are preparing for a wave of token unlocks in September, with approximately $4.5 billion worth of vested tokens scheduled for release, according to data from Tokenomist. This influx will impact both supply dynamics and market sentiment across major crypto projects.

Cliff vs. Linear Unlocks: Understanding the Mechanics

Of the $4.5 billion in tokens, $1.17 billion will come from cliff unlocks—large, one-time releases that occur after a specified lockup period. These events can generate short-term supply shocks and often draw significant market attention.

The remaining $3.36 billion will be released via linear unlocks, distributed gradually over time. This approach reduces the immediate impact on token supply, providing smoother liquidity adjustments and helping stabilize market reactions.

Crypto projects unlocking digital assets in September. Source: Tokenomist

Leading Projects Unlocking Tokens

Several high-profile crypto projects will see substantial token releases this month:

  • Sui (SUI) leads with over $153 million scheduled for release. With only 35.1% of its total supply already circulating, a significant portion of SUI remains locked.
  • Fasttoken (FTN) follows with $90 million unlocked, though it has already released more than 96% of its supply, minimizing relative market impact.
  • Aptos (APT) and Arbitrum (ARB) are also notable, with nearly $50 million and $48 million in tokens set for release, respectively.
  • Other projects such as Starknet, Sei, ZK, and Immutable will add between $10 million–$17 million to their circulating supply.

Market Perspective: From Anxiety to Analysis

Vincent Kadar, CEO of security token platform Polymath, notes a shift in investor mindset. Previously, token unlocks triggered “unlock anxiety,” with markets reacting to potential sell-offs. Now, investors are assessing fundamentals such as adoption, governance transparency, and long-term economic incentives.

Kadar emphasizes that this shift reflects the maturation of the crypto market. By focusing on sustainable value rather than short-term supply shocks, the industry is becoming more resilient and aligned with public market standards.

September’s token unlocks will release billions of dollars in crypto assets, yet market reactions are evolving. Rather than panic selling, investors are increasingly taking a nuanced view, prioritizing long-term fundamentals over temporary supply fluctuations. This shift marks an important milestone in the development of more sophisticated, transparent crypto markets.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses

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