21Shares has announced that its U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) is on the verge of launching, marking a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency as it becomes more accessible to institutional investors. The company’s latest S-1/A filing, which includes the finalized Authorized Participant Agreement, represents the last regulatory hurdle before trading can begin.
This development comes after Grayscale and Franklin Templeton received approval for their own XRP ETFs, fueling speculation that 21Shares’ offering could be available within days. The company’s enigmatic “XRP Army, get ready” message on X has heightened anticipation, while analysts estimate that total inflows into new XRP products could eventually surpass $10 billion.
Interest in XRP ETFs has been robust, with net inflows recently reaching $586 million, including a single-day surge of $164 million, according to TradingView. Trading activity has also intensified, with XRP ETF volumes climbing to $85.8 million, reflecting growing enthusiasm among investors. In the derivatives market, XRP futures contracts exceeded 1.82 billion tokens in the past 24 hours, and open interest increased by 8.5%.
Experts attribute these inflows to improved risk management strategies and greater regulatory certainty. Many investors are viewing the current downturn in the crypto market as a chance to buy, rather than a signal to sell.
This ETF launch represents a pivotal shift for XRP, which has long faced regulatory challenges. Following the resolution of the SEC’s extended legal dispute with Ripple earlier this year, XRP is now set to join Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in the ETF space. At the time of writing, XRP was trading near $1.95, showing resilience despite broader market fluctuations. Observers note that 21Shares’ ETF could appeal to both retail and institutional investors seeking regulated exposure, especially during periods of market caution.
While excitement around the ETF is high, some experts urge caution against relying solely on ETF-driven demand. Veteran XRP analysts highlight the cryptocurrency’s core function in facilitating cross-border payments, emphasizing that its true worth lies in its practical use rather than speculative trading. This viewpoint stands in contrast to Franklin Templeton’s recent XRP ETF, which has already attracted $89 million in inflows, even as Solana experienced $156 million in outflows last week. These trends illustrate how regulatory clarity and institutional participation are reshaping investor focus.
With several XRP ETFs in development, the asset is entering a new phase of integration into mainstream finance. The anticipated launch of 21Shares’ ETF next week could further establish XRP as a widely accepted investment option, bridging the divide between digital assets and traditional markets. As the XRP community awaits this milestone, the broader effects on institutional investment and overall market sentiment remain to be seen.