XRP News Today: XRP ETF Approval Looms: Institutions Bet $210M Amid SEC Clarity

XRP investors are increasingly observing the entry of large-scale players into the market, driven by a convergence of regulatory clarity, institutional interest, and on-chain activity. Recent data indicates that institutional inflows and whale accumulation have accelerated, with over $210 million in institutional investment in XRP recorded in September 2025 alone Analytics Insight^[1]. This trend is underscored by the withdrawal of 439 million XRP (worth over $1.2 billion) from exchanges in late September, signaling growing confidence among both retail and institutional traders BeInCrypto^[2]. Analysts attribute this activity to anticipation of potential XRP ETF approvals and broader adoption of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) in cross-border payments and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The legal resolution of Ripple's long-standing case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has further bolstered institutional confidence. With the case moving toward enforcement and no longer posing a regulatory overhang, XRP is now viewed as a legally recognized digital asset rather than a speculative security CoinDesk^[3]. This shift has prompted major asset managers to file applications for spot XRP ETFs, with decisions expected from the SEC in October 2025. The approval of such products could unlock billions in institutional capital, mirroring the impact seen with Bitcoin ETFs earlier in the year CoinCentral^[4].

On-chain metrics also highlight the growing influence of large holders. Wallets controlling between 10 million and 100 million XRP added 310 million tokens in Q3 2025, pushing their total holdings to 8.11 billion XRP The Currency Analytics^[5]. This accumulation is seen as a vote of confidence in XRP's utility as a cross-border settlement asset and DeFi infrastructure layer. Meanwhile, exchange inventory for XRP has declined sharply, with over $300 million in whale disposals reported in October 2025 as institutional desks repositioned ahead of key regulatory deadlines CoinDesk^[6].

Price action reflects this institutional buildup. XRP traded within a descending wedge pattern in October 2025, with a critical resistance level at $3.02. A breakout above this threshold could trigger a rally toward $3.61, aligning with all-time highs BeInCrypto^[7]. Technical analysts note that the current support at $2.99 has held firm despite bearish retail sentiment, which has historically signaled contrarian buying opportunities CoinDesk^[8]. However, risks remain, including regulatory delays and competition from other payment-focused protocols. The SEC's extended review of XRP ETF applications-pushed to October 19–24-has introduced short-term uncertainty, causing a 3.82% price decline in the 24 hours following the announcement CoinViews^[9].

Despite these challenges, long-term fundamentals for XRP remain robust. Upgrades to the XRP Ledger, including EVM-compatible sidechains and privacy-focused tools, have expanded its utility in DeFi and cross-border transactions The Currency Analytics^[10]. The launch of RLUSD, Ripple's USD-pegged stablecoin, has further driven decentralized exchange (DEX) volume, now valued at $90 million The Currency Analytics^[11]. Analysts argue that XRP's low transaction fees and hybrid functionality position it as a viable alternative to Ethereum for certain use cases, particularly in emerging markets where cross-border remittances are critical.

The market's response to these dynamics has been mixed. While institutional investors continue to accumulate XRP during price dips-purchasing $3.8 billion worth in October 2025-retail sentiment has turned bearish, with the bullish-to-bearish commentary ratio dropping below 1.0 CoinDesk^[12]. This divergence highlights the growing influence of institutional capital in shaping XRP's trajectory. As the October 2025 ETF deadlines approach, the token's price and adoption will likely hinge on regulatory outcomes and macroeconomic factors, including the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.