XRP News Today: XRP ETFs Signal Altcoin Mainstream Push as Regulators Adapt

The U.S. cryptocurrency market is poised for a major expansion as regulatory clarity and institutional demand converge, with Bitwise Asset Management's spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) potentially becoming the next major launch. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently issued guidance allowing issuers to expedite the effectiveness of pending ETF registration statements, a move that could reshape the approval landscape for digital asset investment vehicles. This development follows the successful debut of the Canary XRP ETF (XRPC) on Nasdaq, which marked the first U.S. spot XRP fund and set a record for first-day trading volume.

The SEC's post-shutdown guidance has streamlined the approval process for crypto ETFs, enabling firms to bypass prolonged regulatory delays. This shift has already triggered a wave of filings, with five spot XRP ETFs - including offerings from Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, Canary Capital, 21Shares, and CoinShares - listed on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) platform, signaling imminent market entry. The DTCC listings typically precede trading, with institutional investors reportedly showing strong interest in XRP-linked funds that now hold over $100 million in assets.

Canary Capital's XRPC ETF, which launched on November 13, 2025, generated $58 million in first-day trading volume, outpacing even the debut of Bitwise's Solana ETF. The fund's success underscores growing demand for regulated exposure to altcoins, with Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noting that XRPC and BSOL dominate 2025's ETF launches, far ahead of third-place competitors. Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, attributed the inflows to XRP's real-world utility in cross-border payments and the token's strong community support.

The regulatory environment has also evolved, with SEC Chair Paul Atkins emphasizing a more flexible approach to crypto assets. His recent speech outlined a framework that distinguishes network tokens and utility tokens from securities, reducing barriers for innovation. This shift aligns with broader legislative efforts to modernize crypto regulation, including bipartisan discussions on market structure and token classification.

Market reactions to the XRP ETF approvals have been mixed. While XRPC's launch drove a 10% price surge for XRP to $2.48, the token later retreated amid broader crypto market volatility. Analysts, however, remain optimistic, citing parallels to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF debuts, which saw billions in initial inflows. Franklin Templeton and Bitwise are expected to follow with their own XRP ETFs, further solidifying XRP's integration into traditional finance.

The regulatory and market momentum highlights a pivotal moment for XRP. With institutional infrastructure now in place - supported by custodians like Gemini and BitGo - and a growing list of approved ETFs, XRP is positioning itself as a mainstream asset. As more firms navigate the streamlined SEC process, the U.S. market could see a cascade of altcoin ETFs, broadening access to digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.