XRP News Today: Ripple's Institutional Push Faces XRP Volatility as ETF Hopes Build

Ripple, the blockchain company behind XRP, is accelerating its push into institutional finance as it prepares for a potential XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) launch. The firm has expanded its infrastructure through strategic acquisitions and product innovations, aiming to position itself as a leader in crypto-native financial services. However, XRP's price performance remains a point of contention, trading at $2.27 as of press time, according to a BeInCrypto report.

Ripple's latest move includes the launch of Ripple Prime, a U.S.-based digital asset spot prime brokerage platform, according to a Benzinga report. The platform allows institutions to execute over-the-counter (OTC) trades in major cryptocurrencies like XRP and RLUSD, alongside traditional forex, derivatives, and fixed-income products. A key feature is cross-margining, enabling clients to offset OTC exposure with holdings such as CME futures and options, creating a unified trading environment. This follows Ripple's acquisition of multi-asset broker Hidden Road for $1.25 billion and crypto wallet provider Palisade, which will integrate into Ripple Custody to enhance custody and payments infrastructure.

The company's institutional ambitions are underscored by its growing regulatory footprint. Ripple now holds over 75 global licenses and partners with major banks like BBVA, DBS, and Société Générale's crypto division. These developments align with broader market speculation about an imminent XRP ETF. Grayscale Investments recently filed Amendment No. 2 for its Grayscale XRP Trust, seeking SEC approval to list the product under the ticker GXRP on NYSE Arca, according to a Coinpedia report. The trust, structured as a passive investment vehicle, aims to mirror XRP's market price and will issue shares in blocks of 10,000, with Coinbase Custody and The Bank of New York Mellon handling custody and administration.

Bitwise and Grayscale have also disclosed ETF fees of 0.34% and 0.35%, respectively, as competition intensifies among firms vying for the first XRP ETF approval. Analysts, including ETF Store President Nate Geraci, anticipate a regulatory decision by late 2025, with a possible launch around November 13. XRP's market capitalization currently stands at $170 billion, ranking it fifth among cryptocurrencies, though its price has fluctuated between $0.50 and $3.55 over the past year.

The gap between Ripple's corporate growth and XRP's price volatility raises questions about whether institutional adoption will translate to sustained demand for the asset, as reported by BeInCrypto. While the firm's infrastructure investments signal long-term confidence, traders remain cautious, with XRP extending a 15% weekly decline. The SEC's final decision on the ETF could serve as a catalyst, either bolstering institutional interest or highlighting regulatory hurdles in the broader tokenization shift.