- CME XRP futures open interest hit $1B in record time, signaling strong institutional appetite.
- Multiple asset managers await SEC decisions in October 2025, raising ETF hopes.
- XRP’s loyal community, the “XRP Army,” could fuel major inflows once ETFs launch.
The buzz around spot XRP ETFs is heating up fast, with CME’s XRP futures hitting record pace and crossing $1 billion in open interest quicker than any other crypto listed there. Market watchers say this surge is no fluke—it shows real appetite from both retail traders and institutions who want exposure to XRP through regulated products. With several asset managers already lined up with applications, eyes are locked on the SEC’s upcoming deadlines.
CME Growth Fuels ETF Demand
Nate Geraci, head of The ETF Store, warned that investors might be underestimating just how big the demand for spot XRP ETFs could be. CME’s numbers tell the story—over $1B in open interest in just three months, and another $800M flowing into futures-backed products. Geraci argues much of that capital could shift over to spot ETFs once approval lands. Heavyweights like Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and others already have filings on the SEC’s desk. One proposal, WisdomTree’s, is under extended review until late October 2025, but more decisions are stacked up for the same month.
SEC Outlook and Ripple Effect
Since Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC ended, confidence has only grown that regulators might give spot XRP ETFs the green light. Last year’s Ethereum ETF approval, which followed a similar path—futures first, spot later—is the comparison everyone keeps making. Updated S-1 filings from multiple issuers suggest ongoing talks with the SEC, a sign that the process is moving forward. Analysts like James Seyffart from Bloomberg see this as a positive step, hinting that October could be a pivotal month.
XRP Army Could Power Inflows
Legal veteran John Deaton believes the XRP community itself could become a driving force. During the Ripple lawsuit, over 75,000 XRP holders from across the world rallied in support—something unheard of in crypto legal history. Deaton compared it to Gemini’s XRP credit card, which turned into one of the platform’s most popular products thanks to this grassroots base. If the same level of community energy pours into ETFs, inflows could be massive from day one.
With futures roaring, applications stacked, and SEC deadlines looming, XRP might be on the cusp of something historic. A spot ETF approval would not just cement its role in traditional finance—it could spark one of the biggest waves of institutional inflows the asset has ever seen.