XRP news today: XRP Surges 38% as SEC Approves Futures ETFs, Ripple Acquires Hidden Road

Ripple (XRP) has been gaining momentum in the crypto space, with its price surging by 38% from its early April low and hitting monthly highs. This rally is driven by a combination of factors, including renewed enthusiasm across the crypto market and developments specific to the XRP ecosystem.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved three XRP futures ETFs by ProShares, scheduled for launch on April 30. These ETFs, while not spot ETFs, represent a significant milestone for market access and signal growing regulatory acceptance. They also open the door to increased institutional involvement, as they allow speculation on XRP’s price through contracts rather than holding the asset itself.

Paul Howard, Senior Director at leading crypto market maker Wincent, highlights the importance of these ETFs, stating that they provide a way for both institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to XRP. He expects to see spot demand for XRP once these additional ETFs launch, helping to bring more balance to Bitcoin-heavy portfolios given the differing use cases of the two assets.

Additionally, the resolution of Ripple’s lawsuit with the SEC in March 2025 has removed a major regulatory uncertainty, boosting market sentiment. The SEC decided to drop its appeal against Ripple, which is widely seen as a significant victory for Ripple and the broader crypto industry. This outcome underscores a shift toward a more favorable regulatory environment under the current administration.

Ripple’s strategic initiatives are also boosting XRP’s standing in global finance. One notable move was the announcement of the $1.25 billion acquisition of prime brokerage firm Hidden Road. This acquisition is seen as a sign that the Ripple ecosystem is going from strength to strength, according to Howard. He also believes that the spotlight on payments and settlements – XRP’s core focus – is only getting brighter, predicting it will become a more important use case for cryptocurrencies as the space matures.