XRP News Today: XRP vs. BNB: SEC's ETF Ruling to Reshape Crypto Hierarchy

XRP's position as a top-five cryptocurrency has come under scrutiny as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) delays decisions on multiple spot XRP ETF applications, with final rulings clustered between October 18 and October 25, 2025. The outcome of these approvals could determine whether XRP's bull run remains intact or faces a significant correction. Analysts and institutional players are closely watching the regulatory developments, as they could unlock billions in inflows and reshape XRP's market dynamics.

The SEC's review of XRP ETFs has been a focal point for market participants. Eleven applications, including those from Grayscale, Bitwise, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, are pending, with deadlines ranging from October 18 to October 25. The agency's decision timeline was accelerated in September 2025 due to rule changes that streamlined crypto ETF reviews, increasing the likelihood of approvals. However, delays and procedural hurdles remain a risk. For instance, the SEC extended the decision period for several applications, citing the need for additional information, which has dampened short-term bullish momentum.

Grayscale's XRP Trust, which seeks conversion to an ETF, and the ProShares Ultra XRP ETF (the only approved application so far) are among the most anticipated. Analysts like Dom Kwok of EasyA suggest that approvals could drive institutional demand, potentially surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF inflows. However, the SEC's final decisions remain conditional on compliance reviews, including surveillance-sharing agreements and custody arrangements.

XRP's market capitalization has faced downward pressure as Binance Coin (BNB) surged past it to claim the third-largest position in October 2025. BNB's growth, driven by Binance's ecosystem expansion, staking incentives, and utility in decentralized finance (DeFi), highlights the challenge XRP faces in maintaining its relevance. While XRP retains institutional adoption in cross-border payments, its price has struggled to break above $3.00, consolidating in a tight range between $2.75 and $3.20.

The SEC's regulatory clarity for XRP, following its 2025 settlement with Ripple, has bolstered institutional interest but has not translated into sustained price gains. Meanwhile, BNB's ecosystem-driven utility and growing on-chain activity have attracted both retail and institutional investors, further straining XRP's market position.

Price forecasts for XRP vary widely depending on ETF outcomes. If approvals are confirmed, analysts project a potential 20–60% price increase in the short term, driven by ETF issuers purchasing XRP to meet demand. A more aggressive scenario, with rapid institutional adoption, could see prices double from current levels. However, risks such as regulatory delays, derivative-heavy ETF structures, and macroeconomic volatility could limit upside.

Conversely, a failure to secure approvals or a prolonged SEC review could push XRP below critical support levels. Technical indicators suggest a breakdown below $2.75 might trigger a 15% decline toward $2.40. Additionally, market sentiment remains fragile, with profit-taking and profit warnings from analysts contributing to volatility.

Institutional demand for XRP has remained mixed. While CoinShares reported $93 million in inflows into XRP investment products in early October, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw outflows of over $1.1 billion during the same period. Whale activity has also intensified, with 120 million XRP accumulated in three days, signaling anticipation of a major catalyst.

On-chain data reveals increased exchange inflows, which could indicate short-term selling pressure. However, Ripple's partnerships with financial institutions for cross-border payments remain a long-term tailwind. The broader crypto market's performance, particularly Bitcoin's ability to hold above $115,000, will also influence XRP's trajectory.

The October 2025 ETF decisions represent a pivotal moment for XRP. A favorable regulatory outcome could reignite bullish momentum, driven by institutional inflows and reduced liquidity on exchanges. However, delays or rejections may exacerbate existing challenges, including BNB's market cap gains and broader macroeconomic headwinds. Investors are advised to monitor SEC rulings, exchange inflows, and institutional adoption metrics to gauge the token's next move.