XRP News Today: SEC's New Rules Could Fast-Track a Crypto ETF Revolution

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed generic listing standards for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could significantly streamline the approval process for such products, transforming the landscape of digital asset investment. Currently, the approval process for a crypto ETF can take up to 240 days. Under the proposed rules, the timeline could be reduced to 60–75 days, allowing qualifying funds to list without requiring individual SEC approvals under Rule 19b-4. This change, if adopted, would bring crypto ETFs in line with traditional ETFs, which have had generic listing standards since 2019 under Rule 6c-11 [3].

The potential benefits of this move are multifaceted. A faster and more predictable approval process would lower barriers for fund sponsors, enabling a broader range of crypto products—including those tied to altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin—to enter the market. Additionally, the proposed standards would require tokens to demonstrate maturity by maintaining a six-month trading history on regulated futures markets, ensuring that only sufficiently developed assets gain entry. This approach aims to balance innovation with investor protection by maintaining transparency, standardization, and oversight [3].

At present, the regulatory landscape for crypto ETFs remains complex and inconsistent. While spot Bitcoin ETFs gained approval in early 2024, Ethereum and other altcoin products have faced prolonged delays. For instance, the SEC recently postponed decisions on seven proposed crypto ETFs—including those focused on XRP, Litecoin, and staking Ethereum—until October 2025. These delays reflect the commission’s cautious approach to evaluating the risks and structural complexities of digital asset investment products. Prediction markets, such as Polymarket, show a slight decline in the approval odds for these ETFs, with Litecoin at 79% and XRP at 77% as of August 2025 [1].

The SEC’s current methodical review process has drawn comparisons with international regulatory frameworks. For example, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which took effect in late 2024, offers a more unified and predictable framework for crypto markets across member states. Similarly, Hong Kong and Singapore have established clearer licensing and capital market frameworks for digital assets. In contrast, the U.S. has lagged in providing consistent regulatory clarity, potentially deterring institutional participation and innovation in the sector [3].

If the SEC adopts the proposed generic listing standards, it could serve as a pivotal moment in the integration of digital assets into regulated markets. This move would align the U.S. with global leaders in crypto regulation and send a strong signal that the country is committed to leading in financial innovation. By creating a predictable and transparent framework, the SEC could enable the launch of a wave of altcoin ETFs, hybrid products, and thematic baskets, fostering a more diverse and robust crypto investment ecosystem [3].

The path forward hinges on the SEC’s decision in September 2025. If the agency proceeds with the proposed rules, the first wave of altcoin ETFs could be listed by year-end, clearing a backlog of nearly 100 applications. This would not only accelerate innovation but also provide traditional investors with broader and more accessible exposure to digital assets. With the right regulatory approach, the U.S. has the opportunity to reinforce its position as the global hub for capital market innovation, ensuring that crypto ETFs become a fully integrated part of the ETF age [3].

Source:

[1] SEC Delays 7 Crypto ETF Decisions Until October 2025 (https://yellow.com/en-US/news/sec-delays-7-crypto-etf-decisions-until-october-2025-deadlines)

[2] Crypto Rules in Europe vs. the US: Does Your Stablecoin Strategy Need To Change? (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/crypto-rules-europe-vs-us-does-your-stablecoin-strategy-need-change)

[3] SEC Approval Of Listing Standards Can Mainstream Crypto ETFs (https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-approval-crypto-etfs)

[4] The 2025 Global Adoption Index (https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/2025-global-crypto-adoption-index/)