Recent billion-dollar fake transfers have brought XRP Coin into the spotlight, but the crypto community is more focused on the potential of a spot XRP ETF. Despite the buzz, there has been no official move towards launching a spot XRP ETF, especially due to the ongoing SEC lawsuit, which makes such a development unlikely in the medium term. The approval process for a Bitcoin ETF took a decade, indicating that an XRP ETF faces even greater challenges.
At best, the XRP Coin lawsuit is expected to conclude by late 2024, and with SEC’s six-month review period for ETF applications, a spot XRP ETF seems improbable before the end of the first quarter of 2025. Ripple’s potential IPO could further complicate the situation, raising questions about the simultaneous existence of Ripple shares and XRP Coin ETFs in the stock market.
Investors are contemplating the value of holding XRP Coin versus Ripple shares, considering the implications for XRP’s classification as a security or investment contract under the Howey Test. This distinction could affect the viability and timing of an XRP ETF.
Santiment reported an increase in optimistic sentiment towards XRP following the SEC’s approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF, which may influence expectations for an XRP ETF. However, recent court rulings declaring XRP not a security have also contributed to this optimism, further fueled by speculative comments from industry leaders.
Steve McClurg of Valkyrie Funds wouldn’t be surprised by spot XRP ETFs, while others like Charles Gasparino suggest caution. Larry Fink’s non-committal response when asked about an XRP ETF highlights the uncertainty and speculative nature surrounding the future of XRP in the ETF market.