Crypto: Is The SEC Putting A Definitive Stop To The XRP ETF?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has always been hesitant towards ETF applications, and that of Bitwise, aiming to create an ETF around XRP, is no exception. While the application may remain pending for several months, investors have questions. But the main obstacle is not just administrative: the legal challenges with Ripple complicate the situation and raise concerns.

SEC and Ripple: a battle that slows down ETF ambitions

One of the main obstacles to the approval of the XRP ETF, a project accelerated by Bitwise, lies in the legal disputes with Ripple. Since the SEC launched its objections against Ripple, the XRP price has plummeted, falling from $0.66 to $0.53, a drop of nearly 20%. The future of XRP therefore seems to hinge on the SEC’s decisions, which is hesitant to greenlight this ETF.

According to analysts from Kaiko, “the probability that Grayscale transforms its trust into an XRP ETF is very low.”

A blow to XRP enthusiasts hoping for a quick market rebound.

The current XRP figures speak for themselves:

• Initial Ripple Price: $0.66;
• Current Price: $0.53;
• Total drop: nearly 20%.

Crypto and futures: a divided market

The question of the futures market is also debated among analysts. Some believe that the absence of futures on XRP is a major obstacle to ETF approval, while others think it is not an indispensable criteria.

Hester Peirce, a crypto-friendly SEC member, even stated that an ETF based on spots might be viable without futures. According to her, a product similar to those created for Bitcoin or Ethereum could emerge. However, current market conditions remain a barrier for XRP, and uncertainty looms over its future in this area.

The crypto world is eagerly awaiting a decision, but the path still seems long for Bitwise and Grayscale.

However, skeptical voices have already been raised. Some analysts believe that XRP and Cardano ETFs are not close to seeing the light of day, despite the prevailing enthusiasm.