Ripple’s XRP is once again in the spotlight following the CME Group’s debut of XRP Futures ETFs on May 19, a major step that many believe could pave the way for spot XRP ETFs shortly. The newly launched CME-regulated XRP Futures ETF recorded nearly $6 million in trading volume on its first day, signaling a powerful wave of renewed institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.
This surge in investor enthusiasm comes after years of regulatory uncertainty finally began to ease for Ripple, allowing financial institutions to re-enter the XRP market with confidence.
XRP ETFs Outperform Ethereum Futures ETFs
The XRP Futures ETF’s performance has already outpaced Ethereum [ETH] Futures ETFs, suggesting XRP is gaining serious traction among institutional players. While Bitcoin [BTC] Futures ETFs still dominate the market with daily volumes in the billions, XRP’s strong debut positions it as a rising contender in the ETF space.
On day one, CME Group reported that four standard contracts, each representing 50,000 XRP traded hands, totaling around $480,000 in notional value. Additionally, 106 micro contracts, each covering 2,500 XRP, added over $1 million in trading volume. This breakdown shows that both large-scale and mid-tier institutions are engaging with XRP right out of the gate.
With XRP’s price rising 1.33% to $2.33 and Open Interest soaring to $4.69 billion, market sentiment around XRP continues to strengthen.
Industry Experts Expect Spot XRP ETF Approval
The performance of CME’s XRP Futures has sparked fresh optimism for spot ETF approval. Nate Geraci, president of the ETF Store, commented via X (formerly Twitter) that a spot XRP ETF is “inevitable”, citing the credibility and structure of CFTC-regulated futures contracts as a strong foundation for future approval.
Even on Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, traders have priced in an 83% probability that a spot XRP ETF will eventually be approved, reflecting the growing market consensus.
However, regulatory uncertainty still lingers. The U.S. SEC has postponed its decision on various crypto ETF applications, including those tied to XRP and Solana (SOL). Franklin Templeton’s XRP ETF proposal has been delayed until June 17, placing even more focus on the upcoming decision window.
Ripple’s Institutional Comeback
XRP’s newfound momentum stems from four years of regulatory battles finally reaching a turning point. The launch of regulated futures products not only reaffirms market legitimacy but also provides institutional investors with regulated exposure to XRP, a key milestone for broader adoption.
As institutional demand climbs, XRP’s price outlook remains bullish—if spot ETF approval follows the futures success, XRP could solidify its position alongside BTC and ETH as a top institutional crypto asset.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Always conduct your research before making any investment decisions.
