XRP, as we are all aware, powers fast, low-cost cross-border payments and maintains a multi-billion-dollar market capitalization. While XRP Ledger has been one of Ripple’s strengths, the team could add another feather to its crown. This could be the approval of more ETFs.
For those new to the space, ETF, which stands for exchange-traded fund, tracks an underlying asset or basket of assets. Thereby, offering investors regulated access without the complexities of direct ownership.
In the crypto space, ETFs bridge digital assets and mainstream finance, opening new channels for both retail and institutional participation.
What Are XRP ETFs?
Crypto ETFs fall into two main categories: spot ETFs, which hold the underlying asset, and futures ETFs, which gain exposure through derivatives contracts. For investors, ETFs simplify access by eliminating the need for self-custody while ensuring regulated market participation.
The REX-Osprey XRP ETF (XRPR), the first U.S.-based spot XRP ETF, made its debut on September 18, 2025. With $37.7 million in first-day trading volume, it became the largest ETF launch of the year. Listed on Nasdaq, XRPR provides exposure to XRP, related ETFs, and derivatives.
Early inflows quickly pushed assets under management above $25 million, though much of the activity has been speculative. By September 22, the fund closed at $17.20, down 5.55% from the prior session. In a very recent XRP ETF news, Grayscale’s XRP ETF found approval on 22nd September.
XRP ETF Filings and Current Status
| ETF Name / Applicant | Type | Filing Date | SEC Deadline | Status |
| Franklin Templeton | Spot | Mar 2025 | Nov 14, 2025 | Extended review |
| ProShares Ultra XRP | Futures | Jan 2025 | Approved Jul 18 | Trading live |
| 21Shares | Spot | Nov 2024 | Oct 19, 2025 | Pending |
| Bitwise | Spot | Dec 2024 | Oct 20, 2025 | Pending |
| Canary Capital | Spot | Oct 2024 | Oct 24, 2025 | Pending |
| CoinShares | Spot | Jan 2025 | Oct 25, 2025 | Pending |
| WisdomTree | Spot | Dec 2024 | Oct 25, 2025 | Pending |
Following a 60-day extension, Franklin Templeton’s filing has emerged as a focal point, with a final SEC decision scheduled for November 14, 2025. Several other applications: 21Shares, Bitwise, and others, face October decision deadlines.
Regulatory Landscape
Regulatory hesitation remains the single largest hurdle for XRP ETFs. The SEC’s decision to extend Franklin Templeton’s review illustrates a cautious stance similar to earlier processes for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which took several years from filing to approval.
In the U.S., XRP’s regulatory path has been shaped by the SEC vs. Ripple case, where a federal court ruled XRP is not a security in secondary sales. While the ruling improved XRP’s standing, ongoing appeals and policy ambiguity still cloud near-term approval prospects.
Internationally, the picture is more favorable. Europe lists multiple XRP ETPs, and Asian markets have historically adopted crypto investment vehicles more quickly. This global acceptance may eventually put pressure on the SEC to align with overseas precedents.
Potential Benefits of an XRP ETF
- Investor Accessibility: Traditional brokerage accounts could provide seamless exposure to XRP.
- Market Transparency: Daily net asset value reporting enhances trust and oversight.
- Liquidity Boost: ETF trading could expand XRP market depth, reducing volatility over time.
- Portfolio Diversification: Asset managers gain an additional regulated crypto product to offer clients.
Risks and Challenges
- Regulatory Uncertainty: SEC extensions and appeals prolong timelines, deterring institutional participation.
- Volatility: XRP’s price swings—such as September’s brief 3% rally and quick reversal—reflect ongoing fragility.
- Custody Complexities: Ensuring secure, compliant custody for large XRP holdings is a technical and operational challenge.
- Competition: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs already command investor attention, potentially limiting XRP inflows.
- Reputational Overhang: Past delistings and legal disputes could weigh on sentiment and ETF adoption.
Market Outlook and Scenarios
Short Term
- SEC delays have muted speculative demand, with rallies stalling on regulatory headlines.
- November 14, 2025, stands as a pivotal date; an approval for Franklin Templeton’s ETF could trigger significant inflows.
Medium to Long Term
- Historical patterns from Bitcoin and Ethereum suggest spot approval could still take years.
- If approval is granted, inflows are estimated in the $5–$15 billion range, potentially lifting XRP prices toward $4–$6 by late 2025.
- In parallel, progressive regulatory stances in Europe and Asia may allow XRP ETFs abroad to develop ahead of the U.S.
Scenario Outlook
| Factor | Bullish Case | Cautious Case |
| Inflows | Strong and immediate post-approval | Weak or staggered, possible profit-taking |
| Price Impact | Repricing to $4–$6 | Rangebound with discount risk |
| Adoption | Funds and asset managers adopt ETFs rapidly | SEC delays and extended reviews slow uptake |
Conclusion
The journey toward an XRP ETF highlights both progress and caution. The approval of the ProShares Ultra XRP futures ETF demonstrates regulatory openness, yet the fate of spot products rests on the SEC’s November 14 ruling and possible appeals. Prediction markets price in high odds of approval this year, but lessons from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs suggest delays may persist.
XRP’s established role in global payments and deep liquidity make it a strong candidate for ETF adoption. Still, long-term success hinges on consistent inflows and institutional confidence, positioning XRP as a key test case for altcoin integration.
“As institutional adoption via ETFs and RLUSD integration gains traction, we can expect temporary dips to reverse swiftly, reigniting transaction volumes and propelling XRP toward its role as a vital bridge between TradFi and DeFi.”
– Alexis Sirkia, Captain of the Yellow Network
