The prospect of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) launching in 2025 is gaining serious momentum, with Ripple President Monica Long suggesting that favorable U.S. regulatory shifts could fast-track approvals. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Long expressed strong confidence that spot crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum are on the horizon—and XRP is poised to be one of the first in line.
“I think we will see one very soon,” Long stated. “I think that we will see more crypto spot ETFs this year coming out of the U.S., and I think XRP is likely to be next in line after bitcoin and ether. We think, especially with the administration change, the approvals of those filings will accelerate.”
This optimism stems from growing expectations of a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment, particularly under a potential Trump administration known for its pro-digital asset stance. Such a shift could pave the way for tokens linked to U.S.-based companies like Ripple Labs to gain formal recognition and institutional backing.
The Case for an XRP ETF
An XRP ETF would allow traditional investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without directly holding it, opening doors to retirement accounts, mutual funds, and broader financial products. This kind of accessibility has proven transformative—just as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs boosted mainstream adoption, an XRP ETF could bring Ripple’s technology and token into the spotlight for retail and institutional investors alike.
Multiple asset managers have already submitted filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling strong market demand. Bitwise led the charge by becoming the first firm to file for a spot XRP ETF. They were quickly followed by Canary Capital, WisdomTree, and 21Shares—established names in digital asset investment products.
While the SEC has not yet issued a final decision, the regulatory climate appears to be shifting. Historically, the SEC has been cautious about approving spot crypto ETFs due to concerns over market manipulation and investor protection. However, increased transparency, maturing infrastructure, and political support may tip the scales in favor of approval by 2025.
👉 Discover how regulatory shifts could unlock new crypto investment opportunities in 2025.
Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Traction
Beyond ETF speculation, Ripple is expanding its ecosystem with RLUSD, its newly launched U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. Rolled out in December across both Ethereum and the XRP Ledger, RLUSD has already achieved a $72 million market capitalization—an impressive start for a new entrant.
Monica Long emphasized that RLUSD is set to launch on additional exchanges imminently and will play a central role in Ripple’s payments and cross-border money transfer services. The integration with Chainlink further enhances its utility within decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling smart contract interoperability and expanding use cases in lending, trading, and yield generation.
As global demand for fast, low-cost remittances grows, RLUSD positions Ripple at the intersection of stablecoins and real-world financial applications—complementing XRP’s role in liquidity provision and settlement speed.
XRP Adoption Accelerates Domestically
In late 2024, Ripple reported closing more domestic partnerships in just six weeks than it had in the previous six months combined—a clear signal of renewed momentum in the U.S. market. This resurgence coincides with a dramatic shift in company strategy: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse revealed this year that 75% of the company’s open job positions are now based in the United States.
This marks a significant reversal from past years when Ripple focused on international hiring due to what Garlinghouse described as regulatory roadblocks at home. “For Ripple, this is even more personal after Gary Gensler’s SEC effectively froze our business opportunities here at home for years,” he wrote on X.
The symbolic meeting between Garlinghouse and President Trump at Mar-a-Lago only amplified market sentiment. Though no official policy announcements were made, the image of a crypto executive dining with a president widely seen as supportive of blockchain innovation sent a powerful message to investors.
XRP Price Surge Fuels Investor Confidence
Since Trump’s election win, XRP’s price has surged over 300%, outperforming nearly every other major cryptocurrency. Analysts attribute this rally not only to political optimism but also to growing confidence in Ripple’s long-term viability and technological edge.
Crypto analyst Credibull recently shared on X that “after the current BTC pullback, XRP will put in a higher low and prepare for the next leg up.” He emphasized that long-term price targets for XRP are far more bullish than many anticipate.
For investors building portfolios with a 2025 horizon, XRP is increasingly viewed as a core holding—not just for speculation, but for its foundational role in payment innovation and global financial infrastructure.
👉 See how early movers are positioning themselves ahead of major crypto developments in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an XRP ETF?
A: An XRP ETF (exchange-traded fund) is an investment product that tracks the price of XRP without requiring investors to directly buy or store the cryptocurrency. It can be traded on traditional stock exchanges, making it accessible to mainstream investors.
Q: Why isn’t there an XRP ETF yet?
A: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not yet approved any spot XRP ETFs. Regulatory concerns around market manipulation, custody, and classification of XRP as a security have delayed decisions—but recent filings and political support suggest progress may be near.
Q: Who has filed for an XRP ETF?
A: Major asset managers including Bitwise, Canary Capital, WisdomTree, and 21Shares have all submitted applications for spot XRP ETFs. These filings indicate strong institutional interest and could lead to approval if regulatory conditions align.
Q: Could political changes affect XRP ETF approval?
A: Yes. A shift toward a more crypto-supportive administration may increase pressure on regulators to approve pending ETF applications, especially for tokens associated with U.S.-based companies like Ripple.
Q: Is XRP a good long-term investment?
A: Many analysts believe so. With growing adoption in cross-border payments, development of native stablecoins like RLUSD, and increasing institutional interest, XRP is positioned as both a technological and financial asset with multi-year potential.
Q: How does RLUSD relate to XRP?
A: RLUSD complements XRP by providing a stable, dollar-pegged asset on the same network. Together, they enhance Ripple’s ability to offer fast, low-cost international transactions—XRP for liquidity and settlement, RLUSD for value stability.
Looking Ahead: 2025 as a Turning Point
If Monica Long’s prediction holds true, 2025 could mark a turning point for XRP—not just as a digital asset but as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. Between ETF speculation, expanding product offerings like RLUSD, and growing political goodwill, the pieces appear to be aligning.
While past promises of regulatory clarity have failed to materialize, the current convergence of market readiness, corporate strategy, and political timing feels different. For investors watching closely, now may be the time to assess how XRP fits into broader digital asset strategies.
👉 Stay ahead of the next wave of crypto innovation—explore what 2025 could bring.