XRP News Today: SEC Delays XRP ETFs Amid Rising Institutional Demand

Grayscale Investments has taken a significant step toward launching a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) by filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to convert its XRP Trust into an ETF listed on NYSE Arca. The move, detailed in a 19b-4 filing submitted on January 30XRP ETFs in America: Regulatory Delays, Market Demand, and …^[7], positions the firm to offer U.S. investors direct exposure to XRP through a regulated vehicleGrayscale Seeks XRP ETF Approval From SEC^[5]. Coinbase Custody Trust will serve as custodian for the fund, while BNY Mellon Asset Servicing will handle administrative dutiesXRP ETFs in America: Regulatory Delays, Market Demand, and …^[7]. The proposed ETF would trade under the ticker "GXRP,"Expert Says XRP ETF Approval Is ‘Getting Close’ As^[3] mirroring Grayscale's successful transitions of its Bitcoin and Ethereum trusts into ETFs in 2024Grayscale Seeks XRP ETF Approval From SEC^[5].

The regulatory landscape for XRP ETFs, however, remains fraught with delays. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has stalled the SEC's review of approximately 90 ETF applications, including those for XRPFull List of XRP ETF Filings: New Dates, Deadlines, and …^[1]. Deadlines for final approvals-set for October 2025-have been effectively paused as the agency operates with limited staffFull List of XRP ETF Filings: New Dates, Deadlines, and …^[1]. Despite this, multiple issuers, including Bitwise, WisdomTree, and 21Shares, have submitted amended S-1 registration statements to refine their proposalsExpert Says XRP ETF Approval Is ‘Getting Close’ As^[3]. Analysts like Nate Geraci view these amendments as a sign that approvals are nearing finalityExpert Says XRP ETF Approval Is ‘Getting Close’ As^[3], though the shutdown has complicated timelinesFull List of XRP ETF Filings: New Dates, Deadlines, and …^[1].

Market dynamics underscore the urgency. Ethereum ETFs recently saw $175 million in outflows on October 10, 2025Ethereum ETFs Lose $175M as SEC Fast-Tracks Spot XRP Filings^[2], while XRP's price dropped 12.6% amid broader crypto market volatilityEthereum ETFs Lose $175M as SEC Fast-Tracks Spot XRP Filings^[2]. Yet, the SEC's recent processing of XRP ETF amendmentsExpert Says XRP ETF Approval Is ‘Getting Close’ As^[3] and the potential for institutional inflows-estimated at $1–2 billion post-launch-suggest growing confidence in the asset class. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has hinted at approvals before year-end 2025Ethereum ETFs Lose $175M as SEC Fast-Tracks Spot XRP Filings^[2], aligning with industry forecasts that highlight XRP's legal clarity post-SEC vs. Ripple ruling.

Institutional demand is accelerating. Grayscale's XRP Trust already holds $16.1 billion in assetsXRP ETFs in America: Regulatory Delays, Market Demand, and …^[7], while competing applications from firms like Canary Capital and Franklin Templeton aim to capture a share of the marketGrayscale Seeks XRP ETF Approval From SEC^[5]. The proposed "American-Made Crypto ETF" by Canary Capital, which includes XRP alongside other U.S.-originated cryptocurrencies, further signals a shift toward diversified crypto portfolios. Meanwhile, BlackRock's decision not to pursue an XRP ETF contrasts with its aggressive Bitcoin and Ethereum strategiesSEC Postpones Multiple XRP ETF Decisions to October 2025^[4], reflecting ongoing caution around altcoins.

The path to approval remains uncertain. SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw has historically opposed crypto ETFs, and internal debates persist over XRP's regulatory classification. However, global momentum-Canada and Singapore are reviewing XRP ETF proposals-and political pressure for crypto-friendly policies may tip the scales. If approved, XRP ETFs could stabilize prices by reducing circulating supply through institutional holdings and replicate the success seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFsEthereum ETFs Lose $175M as SEC Fast-Tracks Spot XRP Filings^[2].