XRP Surges 4.185% Amid ETF Approval Hopes, Institutional Interest

XRP's latest price was $2.86, up 4.185% in the last 24 hours. The anticipation surrounding a potential U.S. XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) is reaching a fever pitch. With approval looking increasingly likely, experts say this launch could see an influx of billions. The primary SEC decision windows concentrate in mid-October, with multiple issuers filing decisions to be issued around October 18. These coordinated filing dates compress rulings into a single period, creating a significant regulatory milestone for XRP and other crypto ETFs. Market indicators show high approval probability, with industry experts arguing the true chances may be higher. If approved, initial inflows are estimated at around $5 billion in month one. The checkered past with regulators has long been a handicap for Ripple, but its partial legal success in 2023 has materially altered investor calculus. That ruling reduced uncertainty around token classification in certain contexts and helped pave the way for renewed institutional interest. The CEO of Canary Capital described XRP as one of the most recognized cryptocurrencies on Wall Street after Bitcoin, underscoring why issuers are prioritizing ETF filings for XRP. XRP benefits from a combination of name recognition, existing institutional custody solutions, and recent favorable legal outcomes. These factors make it easier for issuers to argue for a regulated ETF structure that meets SEC requirements and investor demand. Regulatory filings show a broad wave of crypto-related funds in the pipeline. Current tallies indicate about 92 crypto funds awaiting review, with Solana leading on quantity and XRP showing seven filings. That level of representation places XRP among the top contenders for near-term approvals. An XRP ETF would streamline regulated access to XRP for both retail and institutional investors by creating a familiar, custody-backed investment vehicle traded on major exchanges. It could materially increase institutional participation due to regulatory clarity and simplified on-ramp processes. Analyst estimates vary, but a consensus projection cited by industry experts points to initial inflows in the low billions. With coordinated filings and improved regulatory clarity following Ripple’s partial legal wins, an XRP ETF approval in October now appears plausible and could attract significant capital to the market. Market participants should monitor official SEC rulings and custody infrastructure updates and prepare allocation frameworks in case approval is granted.

According to on-chain data tracking and market analysis reports, Upbit was the primary absorber during the XRP sell-off in late August, absorbing approximately 16 million XRP. Upbit is South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and this massive inflow of XRP indicates strong bullish sentiment among investors in the country amidst price declines. With strong demand for XRP among South Korean investors, GoldenMining, a leading global cloud mining platform, has launched XRP mining contracts, ushering in a new investment trend. These contracts allow investors to purchase contracts using XRP. After purchasing a contract, daily earnings are denominated in US dollars and transferred to the user’s account every 24 hours. Earnings can ultimately be converted into XRP or other cryptocurrencies, providing investors with a more efficient and convenient way to profit. It isn’t just anonymous wallets making moves. Japanese gaming company Gumi disclosed a $17 million purchase for its corporate treasury, while Hyperscale Data confirmed plans to allocate part of a $125 million fundraise into XRP alongside Bitcoin. Institutional demand is also visible in derivatives and ETFs. CME Group recently saw XRP futures volumes break above $1 billion, and more than a dozen firms have filed with the SEC for a spot XRP ETF — a sign of rising confidence in XRP’s role beyond retail trading. Crypto’s seasonal weakness has already dragged on the market this month. But with whales, treasuries, and institutions all pushing liquidity into XRP, the token may be better positioned than most to defy history. If the buying pressure holds, September’s curse could turn into an opportunity.

Recent developments surrounding the XRP ecosystem highlight significant activity in regulatory applications, product integrations, and network growth. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) faces an approaching October 2025 deadline regarding decisions on XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Market tracking platform Polymarket indicates that odds of at least one spot XRP ETF gaining approval by year-end currently stand at 87%, reflecting substantial market anticipation. Among the nearly ten applications under review is a novel filing submitted by an Illinois-based investment firm managing over $12 billion in assets. Distinctively, this proposal seeks authorization not for a traditional spot ETF but for an Options Income Fund. This fund structure is specifically designed to implement monthly options strategies, aiming to generate regular yield for its shareholders through positions that expire and reset on a monthly cycle.

Concurrently, the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange announced the introduction of a new credit card product that directly integrates XRP into its rewards structure. Cardholders will earn a variable percentage of their purchases back, credited directly in XRP tokens. The card will also support Ripple's stablecoin, RLUSD, enabling its use for U.S. spot trading activities on Gemini's platform, further bridging traditional financial mechanisms with the XRP ecosystem.

On the technological front, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is demonstrating robust growth in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). Data sourced from RWA.xyz indicates a remarkable surge in the market capitalization of RWA assets on the XRPL. By the conclusion of the second quarter of 2025, this metric had surpassed $130 million. Merely two months later, this RWA market cap witnessed a substantial 144% increase, elevating it to over $320 million. This acceleration highlights growing utilization of the XRPL for representing tangible assets on the blockchain.