Six XRP ETF Applications Under SEC Review Could Pave Way for U.S. Listings as CME Expands Derivatives

• Six SEC decision dates: Oct 18–25, 2025 — first review: Grayscale (Oct 18)

• New ETF listing standards shorten approval timelines and could increase U.S.-listed XRP investment products.

• Data: CME XRP futures open interest topped $1 billion; CME to launch XRP options and Micro XRP options on Oct 13.

XRP ETF approvals: SEC to rule Oct 18–25 on six filings; monitor CME derivatives and Ripple charter for institutional impact. Read analysis and next steps.

What is the SEC timeline for XRP ETF decisions?

The SEC will review six spot XRP ETF applications between October 18 and October 25, 2025. Grayscale is scheduled first on October 18, followed by 21Shares on October 19, Bitwise on October 22, Canary Capital and CoinShares on October 23, and WisdomTree on October 24. These dates reflect the agency’s formal review calendar and could determine U.S. listings for spot XRP funds.

How could new ETF listing standards affect XRP ETF approvals?

New listing standards announced by the SEC seek to standardize crypto ETF review and listing procedures. These standards can reduce friction between exchanges and regulators, enabling a clearer path for spot crypto ETFs. For XRP, this procedural shift may shorten review times and provide clearer compliance expectations for issuers.

The SEC is set to review six XRP ETF applications between October 18 and 25, potentially opening new opportunities for XRP in U.S. markets.

• The SEC will decide on six XRP ETF applications between October 18 and October 25, potentially shaping XRP’s future in U.S. markets.
• New crypto ETF listing standards could speed up the approval of XRP-related financial products, marking a shift in SEC regulation.
• CME’s upcoming launch of XRP options and futures signals a growing institutional interest in regulated XRP investment vehicles.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing for a critical period as it nears decisions on six prominent applications for spot XRP ETF products. These rulings, expected between October 18 and October 25, 2025, could have major implications for XRP, potentially allowing it to join Bitcoin and Ethereum as a commodity-backed spot ETF available to U.S. investors.

Review scheduling shows Grayscale’s spot XRP ETF on October 18, 21Shares Core XRP Trust on October 19, Bitwise on October 22, Canary Capital and CoinShares on October 23, and WisdomTree on October 24. Each application includes detailed custody and surveillance proposals that the SEC will scrutinize under updated listing standards.

Why are updated ETF listing standards significant?

Updated listing standards clarify exchange diligence, surveillance-sharing and custody requirements for crypto ETFs. For issuers, clearer rules reduce operational uncertainty. For regulators, the framework offers a consistent basis to evaluate market manipulation risks and asset custody. For XRP specifically, adherence to these standards will be central to any approval decision.

Market infrastructure developments are occurring in parallel. CME Group reports that XRP futures open interest exceeded $1 billion, reflecting rapid growth in XRP derivatives liquidity. On October 13, CME will add options on XRP and Micro XRP futures, widening institutional tools for hedging and market access.

Alongside ETF filings, derivatives momentum suggests institutional interest is rising. CME’s reported figures and the upcoming options launch create on-ramps for professional traders and asset managers. These instruments may improve price discovery and provide liquidity that supports any potential spot ETF market for XRP.

When will Ripple’s bank charter decision arrive and why does it matter?

Ripple’s application for a national bank charter is under review by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), with a decision expected in October 2025. A granted charter would offer Ripple clearer regulatory footing for U.S. operations and could influence market and regulatory sentiment around XRP and related financial products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will approval of an XRP ETF change retail access?

Yes. Approval of a spot XRP ETF would allow U.S. retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to XRP via regulated brokerage accounts, potentially increasing mainstream accessibility and liquidity.

How should investors manage risk ahead of SEC decisions?

Investors should review issuer prospectuses, consider portfolio allocation and liquidity needs, and monitor CME derivatives volumes and official SEC notices. Maintain diversified exposure and avoid speculative concentration.

Key Takeaways

• Decision window: SEC to review six spot XRP ETF filings Oct 18–25, 2025.
• Regulatory context: New ETF listing standards improve process clarity and could accelerate approvals.
• Market signals: CME open interest above $1B and Oct 13 options launch point to growing institutional demand.

Conclusion

Between October 18 and 25, 2025, the SEC’s rulings on six spot XRP ETF applications will be a pivotal moment for XRP market access in the U.S. Coupled with CME’s derivatives expansion and the OCC’s review of Ripple’s bank charter, these events together will provide clearer signals on regulatory acceptance and institutional adoption. Monitor official filings and exchange notices for confirmed outcomes and next steps.