XRP News Today: SEC's Reduced Staff Delays XRP ETFs, Exacerbate Price Pressures

The U.S. government shutdown, which began on Sept. 30, 2025, has raised concerns about its potential impact on the approval of XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a critical development for Ripple and the broader crypto market. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), operating with a reduced workforce, faces delays in reviewing applications from firms such as Grayscale, 21Shares, Bitwise, and others. These firms have submitted XRP ETF filings with deadlines between Oct. 18 and Nov. 14, 2025XRP ETF Showdown: Will Regulatory Deadlines Survive a Government Shutdown?^[1]. Analysts warn that the shutdown could disrupt the "ETF-tober" timeline, delaying approvals that were expected to inject billions in institutional capital into XRPHow a US government shutdown will impact XRP^[2].

Historical data suggests XRP is vulnerable during government shutdowns. During the 2018–2019 and 2013 shutdowns, XRP prices fell by 12.8% and 12.45%, respectivelyThis Altcoin Crashed During the Last US Government Shutdown^[3]. Current market conditions reflect similar risks: XRP has traded in a narrow range under $3 for the past month, with technical indicators like the long/short ratio (0.98) and Elder-Ray Index (-0.0103) signaling bearish sentimentHow the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact XRP ETF Approvals^[4]. Whale activity, however, offers a counterpoint. Analysts noted that 120 million XRP were purchased by large holders in the last 72 hours, suggesting renewed confidenceHow a US government shutdown will impact XRP^[5].

The SEC's delayed processing of ETF applications could exacerbate market uncertainty. Grayscale's XRP ETF, with $40 billion in assets under management, is among the most anticipated filings. If approvals are stalled, XRP's price could face renewed downward pressure, as spot ETFs are seen as a catalyst for institutional adoptionXRP ETF Showdown: Will Regulatory Deadlines Survive a Government Shutdown?^[1]. Ripple's efforts to obtain a U.S. national bank charter, a key step in building dollar-linked payment rails, are also at risk of being paused due to the shutdownHow a US government shutdown will impact XRP^[2].

Market participants are closely monitoring the SEC's ability to meet October deadlines. The agency's skeleton crew during the shutdown could delay decisions on seven XRP ETF applications, including those from 21Shares ($7 billion AUM) and WisdomTree ($113 billion AUM)XRP ETF Showdown: Will Regulatory Deadlines Survive a Government Shutdown?^[1]. A delay would not only prolong regulatory uncertainty but also impact the broader crypto market, as XRP ETFs are expected to drive liquidity and investor confidenceHow the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact XRP ETF Approvals^[4].

The outcome of these regulatory decisions will shape XRP's trajectory in the coming months. Analysts project that an ETF approval could propel the token's price toward $3.28, while a rejection or delay might push it toward $2.57This Altcoin Crashed During the Last US Government Shutdown^[3]. Institutional adoption, currently steady, could wane if the shutdown extends, as spot ETFs offer a regulated on-ramp for investors. Ripple's strategic goals, including its bank charter bid, also hinge on regulatory clarityHow a US government shutdown will impact XRP^[2].

As the October deadlines approach, the crypto market braces for heightened volatility. The interplay between regulatory delays, market sentiment, and institutional demand will determine whether XRP solidifies its position as a mainstream asset or faces renewed headwinds. Investors are advised to monitor SEC updates and on-chain data for signals of market directionXRP ETF Showdown: Will Regulatory Deadlines Survive a Government Shutdown?^[1].