XRP, currently ranking as the third-largest digital asset by market value, is once again in the spotlight as
a wave of spot ETFs
and new institutional strategies could open doors to a $15.5 trillion market. The recent introduction of several exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Ripple’s deliberate push into institutional finance highlight growing trust in XRP’s functionality and market depth. Still, technical signals and overall market behavior suggest a nuanced environment where bullish optimism and bearish caution are both present.
The green light for spot
XRP
ETFs from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) represents a significant change in the asset’s regulatory outlook.
Bitwise and 21Shares have entered the market
alongside established players such as Canary Capital and Grayscale, giving investors straightforward access to XRP without the need for direct crypto storage. With management fees between 0.34% and 1.89%, these ETFs have accumulated over $645 million in assets since mid-November, reflecting strong interest from both institutions and individual investors. This capital inflow fits with
the wider movement toward crypto adoption
, as regulated investment vehicles are increasingly viewed as connectors between conventional and digital finance.
Ripple, the organization behind XRP, is fueling this growth through targeted acquisitions and innovative products.
The $1.25 billion purchase of Hidden Road
(now known as Ripple Prime) has broadened its reach among institutions, allowing XRP and RLUSD to be used as collateral for trading and settlement across multiple assets. Ripple Prime now works with more than 300 institutions and processes $3 trillion in transactions each year, utilizing XRP Ledger for on-chain settlements. This strategy not only boosts liquidity but also strengthens XRP’s position as a credible alternative to traditional assets in institutional portfolios.
Yet, despite these positive steps, XRP’s price faces downward pressure,
trading at $2.17 in late November
. Short-term investors have shown persistence, increasing their holdings in the one-to-three-month and one-week-to-one-month categories, while long-term investors appear more cautious.
Insights from HODL Waves and NUPL
reveal that significant selling by long-term holders has intensified, raising the possibility of a market correction. From a technical perspective, XRP is challenging important support zones, and a sustained drop below $2.06 could lead to a retest of the $1.81 support. On the other hand, a close above $2.24 might confirm a bullish move toward $2.58.
The surge in liquidity from ETFs has also ignited discussions about potential market hazards.
Some critics warn of possible manipulation
by major XRP holders, or “whales,” who could influence price movements. Regulatory bodies like the SEC stress the importance of strong monitoring systems to address these risks. At the same time,
Ripple’s move into prime brokerage
and international payments—supported by collaborations such as MoonPay’s New York Trust Charter—demonstrate XRP’s expanding influence in mainstream financial circles.
Looking forward, the balance between institutional involvement and overall market mood will be crucial. While ETF investments and Ripple’s infrastructure efforts point toward broader acceptance,
technical weaknesses and ongoing regulatory oversight
could postpone reaching the $3.65 price goal. Experts point out that for XRP to repeat its 2017 surge—from $0.40 to $3.29—it would need consistent buying momentum and a shift in the approach of long-term holders.
