XRP News Today: SEC's Crypto ETF Fast Lane Sparks Debate: Innovation or Risk?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new guidance accelerating the approval process for crypto exchange-traded funds, signaling a regulatory shift that could catalyze a wave of new digital-asset products. The move, unveiled amid a post-government shutdown backlog of over 900 registration statements, allows issuers to fast-track filings under Section 8(a) by removing delaying amendments, enabling automatic effectiveness within 20 days. Analysts predict this will expedite pending crypto ETFs, including Bitwise's XRP offering, which is now seen as the next likely candidate for approval.

The guidance aligns with the SEC's broader "Project Crypto" initiative, which seeks to modernize digital-asset regulation. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, a frequent observer of market trends, noted the change as a "potential accelerator" for issuers previously stuck in regulatory limbo according to analysts. He highlighted Canary Capital's XRPC ETF as a trailblazer-the first spot XRP ETF to launch under the 1933 Act framework.

XRPC debuted with a record $59.1 million in trading volume on Nov. 14, 2025, outpacing even its Solana-focused counterpart and marking the most successful ETF launch of the year.

The SEC's updated approach has intensified speculation about Bitwise's XRP ETF, which could follow shortly. The firm's filings align with the new rules, allowing it to bypass the traditional 30-day review period. This momentum comes as the crypto market grapples with a broader sell-off, with XRP and ether prices declining amid heightened volatility according to market reports. Despite this, XRPC attracted $245 million in net inflows on its debut, underscoring investor appetite for regulated crypto products.

The regulatory clarity also raises questions about the future of other altcoin ETFs. Issuers like 21Shares and CoinShares are reportedly evaluating similar strategies to leverage the streamlined process. Meanwhile, the SEC's decision to process filings in order received - rather than prioritizing based on amendment complexity - has reduced uncertainty for market participants.

Critics, however, caution that the rapid approval timeline could amplify market risks. The recent XRP ETF launch coincided with a broader crypto selloff, as ether ETFs bled over $1.4 billion in net outflows and long-term holders accelerated selling. Yet proponents argue the guidance reflects a maturing regulatory framework, balancing innovation with investor protection.

As the SEC continues to refine its crypto policy, the next few weeks will test whether the accelerated approvals can sustain investor confidence amid market turbulence. For now, the XRP ETF race-led by Canary and Bitwise has set a new benchmark for speed and scale in the digital-asset space.