Bitcoin and Ethereum are dominating the market with their newly launched spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and speculation is growing over which cryptocurrency will be next. With increasing institutional interest and several asset managers filing applications for an XRP ETF, industry analysts believe XRP could be among the next digital assets to receive regulatory approval.
Adding to the speculation, shifting leadership at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory environment for digital assets. Attorney Jeremy Hogan, a well-known advocate for XRP, predicts that the ongoing legal case involving XRP is likely to be resolved before any ETF approval takes place.
XRP ETF Speculation Gains Momentum Amid Regulatory Changes
While no official timeline has been set for an XRP ETF, industry insiders suggest it could receive approval by late 2025 or early 2026. The speculation has been fueled by the possibility of Paul Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner known for his pro-crypto stance, returning to lead the agency under a potential second Trump administration. His leadership could foster a more favorable regulatory climate for digital assets, potentially fast-tracking ETF approvals.
Despite optimism surrounding an XRP ETF, Hogan suggests the legal battle involving XRP must first reach a resolution before approval is granted. In a recent statement, Hogan noted that while an ETF approval does not necessarily hinge on the lawsuit’s outcome, the regulatory process for ETFs is complex and will likely take longer to finalize.
“Not because it has to happen in that order, but because the ETFs will just take longer to dot the i’s and cross the t’s,” Hogan explained.
Institutional Interest in XRP ETF Accelerates
XRP’s large market capitalization and its evolving legal standing have positioned it as a strong candidate for ETF approval. In recent months, several major investment firms—including Bitwise, Canary Capital, 21Shares, and WisdomTree—have filed applications for an XRP-based ETF, signaling increasing institutional confidence in the asset.
ETF approvals historically have had a positive impact on cryptocurrency prices, with Bitcoin experiencing significant price rallies following the launch of both its Futures and Spot ETFs. Analysts believe that an XRP ETF could trigger similar price momentum, attracting new liquidity and driving up demand for the digital asset.
Regulatory Hurdles Remain, But Optimism Persists
Despite growing enthusiasm, regulatory hurdles remain a key obstacle to ETF approval. The SEC’s ongoing scrutiny of XRP’s legal classification and the broader regulatory approach toward altcoins could influence the timeline for a decision.
As institutional interest in crypto ETFs expands, XRP remains one of the most closely watched contenders for approval. If its legal uncertainties are resolved in the coming months, an XRP ETF could soon follow, opening the door for increased institutional adoption and mainstream market participation.
