XRP News Today: Crypto ETFs Get 20-Day Approval Fast Track as SEC Modernizes Regulations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cleared a path for faster approval of crypto-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following the recent government shutdown, which had delayed over 900 regulatory filings. The agency's updated guidance, issued on November 13, 2025, allows registration statements for crypto ETFs to become effective automatically 20 days after submission without requiring additional amendments, provided the necessary language is included in the filings. This move aims to expedite the review process for pending products, including XRP- and Solana-based ETFs, which had been stalled during the shutdown.

The guidance aligns with the SEC's broader "Project Crypto" initiative, which establishes a formal framework for classifying digital assets. By eliminating procedural delays, the SEC is enabling issuers to fast-track their applications.

For instance, Canary Capital's XRPC ETF, which tracks XRP, debuted with $58 million in trading volume on November 14, 2025. The fund's success has intensified pressure on regulators to approve additional crypto ETFs, with Bitwise and other firms reportedly poised to leverage the new rules for their XRP and Solana proposals.

The SEC's guidance also addresses the backlog of filings accumulated during the shutdown. The agency will process these submissions in the order they were received, starting with the earliest filings. This approach ensures a transparent timeline for issuers, including those seeking to launch multi-asset crypto ETFs. Post-effective amendments submitted during the shutdown will be declared effective by default unless issuers opt out. The streamlined process is expected to reduce wait times for crypto ETFs, which have become a focal point for investors seeking diversified exposure to digital assets.

Analysts have welcomed the shift, noting its potential to accelerate market growth. "The SEC's action provides much-needed clarity for the industry," said Balchunas, who predicted a surge in effectiveness declarations for crypto ETFs by late November. The guidance also complements the SEC's ongoing efforts to modernize digital-asset regulation, including its recent rulemaking on tokenized securities. These developments signal a maturation of the U.S. crypto regulatory landscape, balancing innovation with investor protection.

The impact of the SEC's guidance is already evident in the market. Following the launch of the Rex-Osprey XRP ETF in September 2025, which attracted $138 million in assets, demand for XRP-based products has surged. With Canary's XRPC ETF and other applications in the pipeline, 2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for crypto ETFs. The SEC's post-shutdown actions, combined with Project Crypto's structured approach, are likely to catalyze the fastest growth in U.S. digital-asset ETFs to date.