XRP News Today: Why XRP's Price Could Soar: ETFs Spark Structural Demand Surge

The XRP market has entered a pivotal phase as spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) begin trading in the United States, triggering a surge in institutional demand and reshaping the cryptocurrency's trajectory. Recent data reveals that whales have quietly accumulated $7.7 billion worth of XRP over three months, a pattern historically linked to significant price movements. This accumulation, combined with the launch of multiple XRP ETFs, has intensified speculation about a potential price rebound.

The regulatory landscape shifted dramatically in November 2025 when the U.S. SEC approved Form 8-A for Bitwise and 21Shares to launch their spot XRP ETFs. These ETFs, joining seven others already in the market, offer investors regulated exposure to XRP without direct token ownership. Bitwise's XRP ETF, with a 0.34% fee, and 21Shares' TOXR ticker have drawn $168 million and $150 million in assets under management within days of launch, respectively. The rapid adoption underscores growing institutional confidence, particularly as the SEC's approval process for crypto ETFs has accelerated post-government reopening.

The influx of ETF capital is already tightening XRP's supply. Analyst Chad Steingraber, a prominent voice in the XRP community, has modeled scenarios where ETFs could absorb nearly 3 billion XRP annually at current prices. His projections suggest that rising prices are inevitable to prevent rapid supply exhaustion. For instance, at $22.5 per XRP (a 10X increase from current levels), annual demand would shrink to 1.49 billion units. Steingraber's analysis reinforces the idea that ETF-driven demand is a structural force, not a short-term trend.

The cryptocurrency's growing supply absorption can be visualized by analyzing its total market cap and ETF inflows over time. This graph would show the correlation between ETF inflows and increasing demand for XRP, which supports Steingraber's models.

Market dynamics further highlight this shift. XRP's 24-hour trading volume surged 26% to $6.12 billion as ETF inflows reached $85 million in their first week. Meanwhile, large transfers totaling $106.7 million into exchanges and newly created wallets signal whale accumulation, adding to bullish sentiment. The cryptocurrency's price has held near $2—a critical support level from the 2021 bull cycle—and some analysts argue that a breakout could trigger a parabolic rally to new all-time highs.

Institutional adoption is also reshaping XRP's utility. Small and medium enterprises in Europe are exploring XRP for cross-border transactions, leveraging its low-cost infrastructure. Similarly, fintech startups in Asia are integrating XRP into payroll systems, capitalizing on its speed and regulatory clarity. However, concerns about market manipulation persist, as a small number of whales control significant XRP holdings, potentially distorting ETFs' net asset values.

Looking ahead, the XRP ETF ecosystem is expected to expand further. Franklin Templeton and Grayscale's pending launches could add $150 million in AUM within days, while BlackRock and VanEck are speculated to enter the market. Steingraber's models suggest that if 15 ETFs collectively absorb 150 million XRP daily, the altcoin's price could rise to $220 within two years. While such projections are speculative, they reflect the growing conviction among institutional investors that XRP is positioned to benefit from broader crypto adoption.

As the ETF era unfolds, XRP's trajectory will hinge on regulatory developments and macroeconomic factors. The Federal Reserve's policy decisions, coupled with the SEC's oversight of market manipulation risks, will play a critical role in shaping the asset's future. For now, the convergence of institutional demand, regulatory clarity, and whale activity paints a bullish narrative for XRP—one that could redefine its role in the evolving crypto landscape.