XRP News Today: XRP ETF Launch Signals Shift to Utility-Driven Crypto Assets as Regulators Greenlight New Era

The XRP ETF market took a significant leap forward on November 13, 2025, as Canary Capital's $XRPC ETF began trading on Nasdaq, marking the first U.S.-listed spot XRP exchange-traded fund. The product, which opened for trading with a staggering $26 million in volume within its first 30 minutes, has ignited speculation about whether it can outperform Bitwise's Solana ETF (BSOL), which recorded $56 million in first-day volume when it launched in October. The debut of XRPC follows months of regulatory maneuvering and growing institutional demand for exposure to XRP, the native token of the RippleNet blockchain, which is widely used for cross-border payments.

The XRPC ETF's approval came after Canary Capital filed a Form 8-A with the U.S. SEC under Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, triggering a 20-day automatic effectiveness period. Nasdaq's certification on November 12 cleared the final regulatory hurdle, enabling the fund to launch on November 13. This development aligns with a broader trend of altcoin ETFs gaining traction, as seen with recent launches for Solana, Litecoin, and Hedera. Analysts note that the XRPC structure-offering direct exposure to XRP without the complexities of self-custody-could attract both institutional and retail investors seeking regulated access to digital assets.

The ETF's strong opening performance was bolstered by pre-launch on-chain activity. Over 216 million XRP tokens were withdrawn from exchanges in the week preceding the ETF's debut, signaling reduced selling pressure and potential accumulation by long-term holders. However, whale activity painted a mixed picture: large holders reduced positions by 10 million XRP in the two days before the launch, suggesting profit-taking amid heightened market expectations. Despite this, active XRP addresses hit a three-month high, and cumulative volume delta turned bullish, indicating growing retail participation.

Comparisons to Bitwise's BSOL ETF are inevitable. While XRPC's initial 30-minute volume of $26 million pales against BSOL's $56 million first-day total, XRPC benefits from XRP's established utility in global payments and its recent regulatory clarity. The SEC's July 2025 guidance, which clarified XRP's status as a non-security in secondary markets, has emboldened issuers like Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, and 21Shares to advance XRP ETFs. Moreover, XRPC's structure-a traditional spot ETF under the Investment Company Act of 1940-differs from the hybrid model of REX-Osprey's XRPR ETF, which includes derivatives and Treasuries. This distinction may appeal to investors seeking pure exposure to XRP's price movements.

Technical indicators suggest XRP's price could face near-term volatility. The token traded near $2.46 at launch, consolidating within a falling wedge pattern with a potential breakout level at $2.88 according to market analysis. Open interest in XRP futures has declined sharply, reflecting reduced leveraged trading activity and lower short-term volatility. Meanwhile, XRP's market dominance has risen as Bitcoin's share of the crypto market waned, signaling a shift in investor preferences toward utility-driven assets.

The XRPC ETF's success will depend on whether demand is driven by genuine institutional interest or pre-priced expectations. Past ETF launches, including Bitwise's BSOL and REX-Osprey's XRPR, saw initial surges followed by profit-taking as traders locked in gains. XRP's price trajectory will also hinge on macroeconomic factors, including Federal Reserve policy and the broader crypto market's resilience amid regulatory scrutiny.