XRP News Today: SEC Easing Clears Path for Crypto ETP Surge in 2026

The crypto market is entering a pivotal phase as regulators, institutions, and innovators align to accelerate the growth of digital assets. Bitwise researcher Ryan Rasmussen predicts that over 100 crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) will launch in 2026, a surge driven by streamlined regulatory processes in the United States. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released generic listing standards in October, removing the need for individual 19(b) approvals for qualifying crypto ETPs. This shift significantly reduces processing times and clears a major hurdle for new fund launches.

The regulatory clarity has created a sense of urgency among ETP issuers. With a playbook for compliance now in place, companies like Bitwise can move forward with launching products that track spot crypto, indices, equities, and other derivative strategies. Rasmussen emphasized that the market is poised to "accelerate forward at ridiculous speed", as issuers rush to capitalize on the newly opened gate. The result could be a flood of new investment options for retail and institutional investors alike.

Crypto ETPs have already begun to reshape the landscape for investors seeking exposure to digital assets. The recent approval of U.S. spot ETFs for Bitcoin and the emergence of XRP and Litecoin-based products signal a broader acceptance of regulated crypto investment vehicles. These funds provide a more accessible and secure way for investors to gain exposure to digital assets without directly holding them. However, they also come with drawbacks, such as limited asset control and higher fees compared to direct ownership.

A New Era of Crypto Investment

The SEC's October guidance is widely seen as a catalyst for innovation in the ETP space. By eliminating the 240-day waiting period for approvals, the regulator has effectively created a pathway for a variety of crypto-linked products to enter the market. This includes ETPs that track altcoins, smart beta strategies, and even momentum-based exposure. Rasmussen noted that the market is anticipating a "cheesecake factory" era of product diversity, where multiple ETPs will serve different investor needs.

The impact of this regulatory shift is already visible in the market. For instance, the first U.S. spot Litecoin ETF, launched by Canary Capital in October 2025, marked a significant milestone for the altcoin. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have faced prolonged regulatory scrutiny, Litecoin's proof-of-work design and clear regulatory profile made it an attractive candidate for approval. This success story is expected to encourage other issuers to pursue ETPs for altcoins like XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

Market Reactions and Institutional Momentum

The crypto market has shown a positive reaction to these developments, with increased inflows into existing ETPs and growing institutional interest. Spot XRP ETFs, for example, have already surpassed $1 billion in cumulative inflows since their November launch. This level of demand suggests that investors are increasingly comfortable with the ETP structure as a way to access digital assets in a regulated manner. The momentum is further supported by the recent approval of XRP and Solana spot-quoted futures by the CME Group, which is expanding its crypto derivatives offerings.

Institutional players are also stepping in. Ripple Markets seeded a new XRP ETF with 100 million XRP, equivalent to about $226 million at the reference rate. This kind of backing by well-established financial firms adds credibility to the ETP model and reinforces the market's confidence in the regulatory environment. At the same time, companies like ETHZilla are positioning themselves as key players in the tokenization of traditional assets on the Ethereum network.

The Road Ahead for Crypto ETPs

While the regulatory landscape has improved, challenges remain. The SEC's ongoing scrutiny of crypto products, particularly around staking and securities laws, means that not all proposed ETPs will necessarily gain approval. Additionally, the market is still navigating macroeconomic uncertainties, which can influence investor sentiment and market volatility. For instance, Bitcoin recently fell below $86,000 as traders rotated into safer assets.

Despite these risks, the long-term outlook for crypto ETPs remains bullish. As more products enter the market, they are expected to drive further adoption of digital assets among mainstream investors. This could lead to the so-called "altcoin season," where smaller cryptocurrencies see increased demand as institutional capital allocates to diversified crypto strategies. For now, the focus is on execution-issuers must ensure that their products are robust, secure, and compliant as they navigate this rapidly evolving market.