XRP News Today: 3X ETFs Bridge Crypto's Speculative Past with Traditional Finance's Future

GraniteShares has submitted proposals for 3X leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) targeting XRP, Solana (SOL), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin (BTC), marking a significant escalation in crypto derivatives products. These funds aim to deliver triple the daily performance of the underlying assets through both long and short positions. The filings arrive amid a surge in regulatory efficiency, as the SEC's Generic Listing Standards, approved on September 17, 2025, streamlined crypto ETF approvals by eliminating individual Section 19(b) reviews. This shift has accelerated the pace of product launches, with competitors like Defiance Investments also pursuing 3X exposure offerings.

XRP has emerged as a focal point for leveraged products due to its strong retail trading appeal and existing popularity in 2X ETFs. Earlier this year, 2X XRP ETFs attracted over $300 million in net flows, despite launching under regulatory uncertainty. The 3X leveraged structure, however, introduces amplified risks and rewards, with potential for extreme volatility. Analysts note that while XRP's price movements have historically been influenced by speculative demand and memetic factors, the new ETFs could reintroduce the exuberant trading dynamics typical of crypto markets.

The regulatory environment remains a critical factor. The SEC's routine operations were suspended following the federal government shutdown on September 30, 2025, delaying approvals for anticipated October launches. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas described the delay as "like a rain delay," with key deadlines for spot ETF approvals now uncertain. Meanwhile, the Teucrium 2X Long Daily XRP ETF (XXRP) launched automatically on October 3 when its regulatory deadline expired during the shutdown.

Market participants have expressed mixed views on the implications of 3X leveraged ETFs. ETF analyst Sumit Roy emphasized that these products cater to a "narrow target audience" of high-risk traders, given their volatility and compounding risks. Conversely, GraniteShares' strategic focus on XRP aligns with the token's demonstrated demand in leveraged trading, as evidenced by its summer 2025 performance. The firm's 3X ETFs could capitalize on XRP's affordability and historical price swings, which diverge from broader market trends.

The introduction of 3X leveraged ETFs also raises questions about institutional adoption. While spot crypto ETFs have attracted significant assets under management, leveraged products remain a niche within the portfolio of risk-tolerant investors. ProShares' Ultra XRP ETF (UXRP), a 2X leveraged product, has seen early success, rising 9.7% in its first week of trading. However, the 3X leveraged structure's daily rebalancing and compounding effects pose challenges for long-term holders, as highlighted by Investopedia's analysis of leveraged ETF risks.

GraniteShares' proposals underscore the maturation of the crypto ETF market, which has evolved from spot products to more complex derivatives. The firm's early advocacy for crypto ETFs positions it to capture a niche in high-risk strategies, despite not being a leading issuer in the current market. As regulatory clarity improves and institutional interest grows, the 3X leveraged ETFs could serve as a bridge between crypto's speculative roots and its integration into traditional finance-though with amplified risks for investors.