XRP surged over 7% this week, leading major cryptocurrencies after the U.S. SEC approved three XRP futures ETFs by ProShares. This regulatory breakthrough marks a historic moment for Ripple’s token and signals rising institutional interest in XRP-based products. At the same time, Monero (XMR) spiked 40% amid suspicions of hacked BTC being laundered into privacy coins—showcasing the stark contrast between regulated and untraceable crypto activity. This article explores what XRP's ETF approval means for investors and the broader digital asset landscape.
What Is XRP?
XRP is the native token of the XRP Ledger, a decentralized blockchain designed for fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Unlike proof-of-work coins, XRP uses a unique consensus algorithm that enables high-speed finality without mining.
Key features of XRP:
Designed for real-time international transfers
Used by financial institutions for settlement solutions
Offers low fees and high throughput
Maintains consistent legal scrutiny and regulatory tension
Now supported by regulated financial instruments like ETFs
What Happened with the XRP ETF?
On April 28, 2025, the U.S. SEC approved three XRP-based futures ETFs from ProShares:
Ultra XRP ETF (2x leveraged long)
Short XRP ETF (1x inverse)
Ultra Short XRP ETF (2x leveraged short)
These funds are set to launch on April 30, giving institutional and retail investors easier access to XRP exposure through traditional brokerage accounts. The decision follows years of legal disputes between the SEC and Ripple, indicating a potential shift in how regulators view XRP's utility and classification.
Why this matters:
Signals mainstream validation of XRP
Boosts institutional access to the asset
Could lead to spot XRP ETF discussions in the future
May trigger similar filings for other altcoins
How Did the Market React?
Following the ETF news:
XRP rose over 7%, outperforming BTC and ETH
Trading volumes on XRP-based pairs spiked across CEXs and DEXs
Analysts noted growing open interest in XRP derivatives
Meanwhile, Monero (XMR) gained 40% on the same day, fueled by speculation of hacked Bitcoin being moved into privacy coins—highlighting how regulatory clarity and opacity coexist in crypto markets.
What’s Next for XRP?
With ETFs in motion, XRP could:
Attract new institutional capital
Regain momentum among top Layer 1 assets
Face increased scrutiny on futures market manipulation
Inspire further legal and regulatory developments
For retail investors, this presents a chance to track XRP through regulated vehicles while remaining aware of volatility and leverage risks.
