XRP News Today: Institutional Adoption Drives Crypto ETF Surge, Yet Whales Cash Out and ETFs Face Outflows

Global ETF Issuance Explodes, with 15 New Cryptocurrency ETFs Listed in October

The cryptocurrency asset class is undergoing a seismic shift as global exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuance surged in October, with 15 new crypto ETFs launching-including 11 XRP-focused products. This expansion reflects growing institutional confidence amid regulatory clarity and evolving market dynamics. According to July 2025 guidance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission catalyzed the wave, with firms like Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, and CoinShares swiftly filing for XRP ETFs. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation now lists 11 XRP ETFs, signaling a mainstream embrace of the asset.

The XRP ETF launch has triggered mixed on-chain signals. Glassnode data shows 216 million XRP ($556 million) exiting exchanges ahead of the announcement, suggesting accumulation by long-term holders. However, whales reduced holdings by 10 million XRP ($25 million) in the days before trading began, hinting at profit-taking. Meanwhile, active XRP addresses hit a three-month high, and the Cumulative Volume Delta turned bullish, indicating stronger buying pressure. Analysts project a potential rally toward $5 by Q4 2025, contingent on sustained low exchange supply and institutional inflows.

Grayscale's IPO further reshaped the ETF landscape. The firm, managing $35 billion across 40+ crypto products, filed to list Class A shares on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker GRAY. Its weighted-average management fee dropped to 1.39% in 2025 from 1.67% in 2024, reflecting competitive pressure from rivals like BlackRock and Fidelity. The dual-class share structure grants Digital Currency Group (DCG) 70% of voting power, preserving control while exposing the firm to public scrutiny and shareholder pressure.

Institutional adoption of Bitcoin ETFs also accelerated. Harvard University tripled its Bitcoin exposure in Q3, holding 6.8 million shares of BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) valued at $443 million. Emory University similarly expanded its BTC holdings via Grayscale's Bitcoin Mini Trust. These moves underscore a broader trend as universities treat Bitcoin ETFs like traditional equities, despite recent $1.3 billion in spot BTC ETF outflows this week.

Meanwhile, DeFi innovation is attracting fresh capital. Mutuum Finance neared 99% allocation in its Phase 6 presale, raising $18.7 million since 2025's start. The Ethereum-based lending protocol aims to offer a transparent alternative to traditional credit markets, with its V1 launch on the Sepolia testnet slated for Q4 2025.

Market participants, however, remain cautious. Canary Capital, which launched the first U.S. XRP ETF with $58 million in volume, paused new filings pending SEC clarity. CEO Chris McClurg noted the XRP fund could outperform Solana-based ETFs due to XRP's familiarity with traditional finance.

The sector's volatility persists, with ether (ETH) tumbling 8% as ETF outflows exceeded $1.4 billion since October. Long-term holders accelerated selling, and the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance dampened rate-cut hopes, exacerbating crypto weakness.