XRP News Today: "SEC Settlement Clears Path for XRP ETFs, Sparking $422M Institutional Rush"

XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, surged over 9% to $2.27 in early November 2025 as major asset managers launched spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a pivotal shift in institutional adoption. The rally followed the debut of ETFs from Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and Bitwise, which provided regulated exposure to XRP after years of legal uncertainty surrounding Ripple's token. According to market analysis, the ETF launch created a significant catalyst for institutional interest.

The Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ) and Grayscale XRP Trust ETF (GXRP) began trading on NYSE Arca on November 24, joining Bitwise's XRP ETF. According to reports, these products offered investors a streamlined way to access XRP without direct custody, leveraging the cryptocurrency's fast, low-cost payment infrastructure. Franklin Templeton's David Mann highlighted XRP's role as a "foundational element of global settlement infrastructure," while Grayscale introduced a zero-fee introductory period to attract institutional capital.

The ETF wave was catalyzed by Ripple's $125 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2025, which resolved a years-long legal dispute and cleared the path for regulated XRP products. Prior to the settlement, XRP faced trading restrictions and regulatory ambiguity, deterring institutional participation. The resolution not only restored exchange listings but also aligned XRP with Bitcoin and Ethereum in terms of regulatory clarity.

Market activity surged alongside the ETF launches. On-chain data revealed a 33.9% increase in XRP burned as transaction fees, signaling heightened network usage despite the token's price correction from its July peak of $3.65. Analysts attributed this to growing institutional demand, with $422.64 million flowing into U.S. spot XRP ETFs since November 13, including a $250 million inflow on Canary Capital's debut.

Technical advantages of XRP's blockchain further bolstered its appeal. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) processes transactions in 3–5 seconds with minimal fees, making it a viable alternative to traditional cross-border systems like SWIFT. Franklin Templeton and Grayscale emphasized its utility as a bridge currency in emerging digital settlement networks, particularly in regions with high remittance demand.

Global financial trends also aligned with XRP's use cases. The BRICS Business Council's push for efficient digital payment systems and the European Central Bank's Project Nexus initiative underscored a broader shift toward blockchain-based infrastructure. Meanwhile, analysts noted indirect Chinese exposure to XRP through the BRICS New Development Bank and Japanese fintech SBI Holdings, though direct adoption remains limited.

Despite optimism, ETF prospectuses caution investors about XRP's volatility, lack of diversification, and regulatory uncertainties in non-U.S. markets. However, the clustering of ETF launches signals maturation in the digital asset space, with XRP's market cap rising to $135 billion amid growing institutional interest.

Looking ahead, XRP's trajectory hinges on sustained inflows and expansion of its cross-border use cases. With Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and Bitwise now offering regulated access, the cryptocurrency is poised to solidify its role in global finance - a transformation years in the making.