Bitcoin News Today: XRP ETF Surge and Bitcoin Nation Signal Crypto's Institutional Shift

The crypto market is showing signs of stabilization amid a surge in XRP ETF activity and continued Bitcoin accumulation by El Salvador, signaling a potential shift in institutional and sovereign investment strategies. 21Shares, a leading crypto asset manager, has intensified speculation about its impending spot XRP ETF with a recent S-1/A filing and a cryptic social media teaser addressing the "XRP Army". The firm's updated regulatory documents, including the Authorized Participant Agreement, suggest the product is nearing launch, with analysts estimating combined inflows across new XRP ETFs could reach $10 billion over time. This follows approvals for XRP ETFs from Grayscale and Franklin Templeton by NYSE Arca, accelerating momentum for the asset in U.S. markets.

The XRP community has responded with heightened anticipation, with influencers amplifying the narrative of an imminent 21Shares launch. While some observers caution against overreliance on ETF-driven hype, others highlight XRP's foundational role in cross-border payments as a long-term value driver. Market data shows XRP trading around $1.95, maintaining relative stability compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum amid broader volatility. Analysts note that ETFs could attract both retail and institutional investors seeking regulated exposure, potentially deepening liquidity and tightening XRP's supply.

Meanwhile, El Salvador's aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy continues to defy international scrutiny. The nation added 1,090 BTC ($100 million) to its strategic reserves on November 21, 2025, despite restrictions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a $1.4 billion loan agreement. President Nayib Bukele reaffirmed the government's commitment to daily Bitcoin purchases, a policy initiated in 2022, while Bitcoin's price dipped 4.9% to $90,999 amid broader market weakness. The country's total holdings now exceed 7,474 BTC, ($676 million), positioning it as the largest sovereign Bitcoin holder. Critics argue the strategy risks fiscal instability, but proponents view it as a bold move to foster economic independence and attract global investment.

The broader crypto market faces liquidity challenges following a 30-25% decline in Bitcoin and Ether order-book depth since October 2025. Reduced stablecoin supply and ETF outflows have exacerbated volatility, with analysts warning of amplified price swings in a "thinner liquidity regime". However, altcoins like XRP and Solana have shown resilience, rebounding more quickly than Bitcoin and Ether.

In a separate development, Galaxy Digital is exploring partnerships with prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi to provide liquidity, signaling expansion into a sector valued at $42.4 billion in cumulative volume. Meanwhile, BitMine Immersion (BMNR) announced Ethereum holdings of 3.63 million tokens and total crypto and cash assets of $11.2 billion, underscoring the growing institutional interest in digital assets.

The convergence of ETF approvals, sovereign Bitcoin strategies, and evolving liquidity dynamics highlights a maturing crypto market, with XRP and Bitcoin emerging as focal points for institutional and regulatory attention.