The likelihood of a U.S.-listed XRP spot ETF approval has surged to 83% according to Polymarket prediction data, marking a 10-point increase since early May 2025. This momentum comes as financial heavyweights Grayscale and Franklin Templeton advance their ETF proposals, despite the SEC postponing final decisions until June 17. Market analysts suggest this regulatory scrutiny mirrors the approval pathway seen with Bitcoin ETFs in 2024.
Bloomberg ETF analysts now assign an 85% probability of approval by year-end, citing growing institutional demand and the recent launch of XRP futures contracts on CME Group’s platform. Standard Chartered predicts ETF approval could propel XRP prices toward $2.50, though the token briefly dipped below $2.30 following the SEC’s latest delay announcement.
Grayscale’s XRP Trust Conversion Strategy
The crypto asset manager seeks to replicate its Bitcoin ETF success by converting its $1.2 billion XRP Trust into a spot ETF. Grayscale’s legal team has engaged in substantive discussions with SEC officials since March, arguing that CME’s new XRP futures contracts provide sufficient market surveillance.
Franklin Templeton’s Multi-Asset Approach
Among eight active XRP ETF applicants, Franklin Templeton stands out with its proposed Franklin XRP Fund that would hold both XRP and cash equivalents. The firm’s April 28 SEC filing revealed plans for institutional-grade custody solutions through partnerships with blockchain security firms.
Regulatory Hurdles and Market Impact
SEC Chair Gary Gensler maintains caution despite mounting pressure, recently stating: “We must ensure these products meet investor protection standards before approval.” The commission’s XRP ETF review timeline now includes:
- Public comment period extension through May 31
- Economic analysis of XRP market liquidity
- Surveillance-sharing agreement evaluations
Market reactions remain volatile, with XRP trading between $2.28-$2.47 this week. CryptoBriefing reports increased options activity targeting $3 strike prices for December 2025 contracts.
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Glossary of Terms
- Spot ETF
- An exchange-traded fund that directly holds the underlying cryptocurrency rather than derivatives contracts.
- CME Futures
- Regulated cryptocurrency derivatives contracts traded on Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
- Surveillance-Sharing Agreement
- SEC-required pact between exchanges to prevent market manipulation.