21Shares has filed an 8(a) form with the SEC for its spot XRP ETF, starting a 20-day clock for potential automatic approval by November 27 if no intervention occurs. This move tracks XRP’s performance without speculation, offering investors direct exposure via the Cboe BZX Exchange.
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21Shares’ filing advances spot XRP ETF approval, using CME CF XRP Dollar Reference Rate for pricing.
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The ETF structure avoids leverage or derivatives, focusing on XRP price tracking for straightforward investment.
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Recent SEC standards shorten review to 75 days; XRP trades at $2.32, up 4.2% in 24 hours per CoinGecko data.
Discover how 21Shares’ spot XRP ETF filing starts a 20-day approval clock, potentially launching by November 27. Track XRP’s rise without speculation—explore crypto ETF opportunities now.
What is the 21Shares Spot XRP ETF Filing?
The 21Shares spot XRP ETF is a proposed investment trust designed to mirror the performance of XRP cryptocurrency, providing investors with direct exposure without the need to hold the asset themselves. Filed via an 8(a) form with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, this submission initiates a 20-day review period under U.S. securities law, potentially allowing automatic approval by November 27 if the SEC does not act. The ETF, structured as the “Trust,” will issue shares listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, using the CME CF XRP Dollar Reference Rate New York Variant as its benchmark for accurate pricing.
How Does the Approval Process Work for the Spot XRP ETF?
The approval process for the 21Shares spot XRP ETF begins with the S-1 registration statement, amended as No. 3 in this filing, which governs ETF launches under U.S. law. This triggers the 20-day clock for SEC review, a streamlined mechanism that can lead to automatic effectiveness if regulators remain silent. According to Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, who confirmed the submission, this timeline positions the fund for potential trading start as early as late November. The ETF avoids speculative strategies, leverage, or derivatives, ensuring it solely tracks XRP’s spot price movements. Supporting data from SEC records highlights that 21Shares US LLC will act as the initial seed investor, purchasing initial baskets of 10,000 shares to acquire and custody XRP through designated providers. This setup promotes liquidity from day one, with the seed investor able to redeem or sell shares post-listing to foster market activity.
Broader context from industry observers like Balchunas underscores the shift in regulatory landscape. The SEC’s mid-September introduction of general listing standards for spot crypto ETFs reduced review periods from 240 days to 75 days, reflecting evolving policies under new leadership. Expert analysis from financial firms notes that this filing aligns with increased filings for alternative assets, building on approvals for Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs. For instance, the prospectus details how the Trust’s net asset value will be calculated daily based on the reference rate, ensuring transparency and alignment with XRP’s market performance. XRP, trading at $2.32 on platforms like Bitstamp as of early Saturday, has shown resilience with a 4.2% daily gain despite a weekly 7% dip, per CoinGecko statistics. This data illustrates the ETF’s potential to capture such volatility in a regulated format.
21Shares, a Zurich and New York-based firm with expertise in crypto investment products, has previously navigated SEC processes successfully. Their recent S-1 filing for a Hyperliquid token (HYPE) ETF in late October demonstrates growing institutional interest in DeFi-linked assets. If approved, the XRP ETF would mark another milestone, allowing U.S. investors to access XRP through traditional brokerage accounts. Custody arrangements with specialized XRP providers further mitigate risks, as outlined in the filing, emphasizing secure storage and regular audits. Balchunas’ commentary on platforms like X highlights the procedural efficiency: “21Shares just dropped an 8(a) for their spot XRP ETF… 20 day clock in effect.” This procedural nudge comes amid a flurry of similar actions by other managers, signaling a maturing crypto ETF market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the 8(a) Filing Mean for the 21Shares Spot XRP ETF?
The 8(a) filing by 21Shares notifies the SEC of changes to the S-1 registration, starting a 20-day period for review or automatic approval. If the SEC does not intervene by November 27, the spot XRP ETF can proceed to listing on the Cboe BZX Exchange. This mechanism streamlines launches for compliant products, as confirmed in official SEC records, ensuring investor protections while accelerating market access to XRP.
Could the Spot XRP ETF Launch Before Year-End?
Yes, the spot XRP ETF from 21Shares has a strong chance of launching before the end of 2025, given the 20-day clock from the recent 8(a) filing. With no reported SEC delays yet and favorable listing standards in place, trading could begin as early as November 27. This timeline aligns with industry trends toward quicker crypto ETF approvals under current regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Streamlined Approval Path: The 8(a) filing initiates a 20-day automatic review, potentially enabling the 21Shares spot XRP ETF to trade by November 27 without further SEC action.
- Investor-Friendly Structure: The ETF tracks XRP via the CME reference rate, issuing shares on Cboe BZX for easy access, with initial seeding by 21Shares US LLC to build liquidity.
- Market Momentum: Amid rising filings for XRP and Dogecoin ETFs, this reflects pro-crypto regulatory shifts—monitor XRP’s $2.32 price for investment insights.
Conclusion
The 21Shares spot XRP ETF filing represents a pivotal step in expanding regulated access to XRP, leveraging a 20-day approval clock and structured tracking via the CME CF XRP Dollar Reference Rate. With secondary developments like seed investments and custody protocols in place, this initiative underscores the evolving landscape for spot XRP ETFs under streamlined SEC standards. As XRP navigates market fluctuations, investors should stay informed on these opportunities, positioning themselves for potential launches that could enhance portfolio diversification in the coming months.
21SHARES FILES 8(A) FOR SPOT $XRP ETF
ETF COULD AUTOMATICALLY GO LIVE AROUND NOV. 27 IF SEC DOES NOT ACT pic.twitter.com/0IfjtAI0X0
— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) November 7, 2025
