Expert predicts rising XRP ETF demand as CME futures hit $1B open interest

TLDR

Table of Contents

CME XRP futures hit $1B open interest in just three months, fastest among crypto.
Over $800M is already invested in futures-based XRP products worldwide.
SEC review for WisdomTree XRP ETF extended until October 24, 2025.
More than 75,000 XRP holders joined Ripple as amici from 143 countries.

The demand for spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is expected to rise after XRP futures on the CME Group reached a record pace. Market experts say investor appetite for these products is growing quickly, as XRP became the fastest cryptocurrency to surpass $1 billion in open interest on CME. This milestone, combined with ongoing regulatory reviews, is shaping market expectations for upcoming ETF approvals.

Rising Demand Signals for Spot XRP ETFs

Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store and host of the ETF Prime Podcast, stated that many investors may be underestimating the demand for spot XRP ETFs. In a recent post on X, Geraci pointed to the rapid growth in XRP futures on CME as a strong sign of interest. According to CME data, XRP futures reached $1 billion in open interest in just over three months, faster than any other crypto asset listed on the exchange.

Geraci also noted that over $800 million has already flowed into futures-based XRP products. He explained that this demand could shift to spot ETFs once they are approved. Several asset managers, including Bitwise, Canary Capital, WisdomTree, 21Shares, CoinShares, Franklin Templeton, and Grayscale, have already filed applications with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch spot XRP ETFs. The SEC recently extended its review period for WisdomTree’s proposal until October 24, 2025.

Regulatory Progress and Market Expectations

The debate around XRP ETFs has accelerated since the Ripple versus SEC lawsuit ended. Legal clarity has strengthened expectations that the SEC may soon approve spot XRP funds. Market participants point to the agency’s decision last year to allow spot Ethereum ETFs after futures products had already been approved.

Recently, several fund managers filed updated S-1 forms with the SEC for their spot XRP ETFs. Geraci described these filings as an encouraging development, while Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart said they signal that issuers have received guidance from regulators. The SEC has staggered deadlines for various applications, but final decisions on several filings are expected in October 2025.

Experts believe the agency’s current stance toward crypto, combined with past court rulings, increases the likelihood of eventual approval. If approved, these ETFs would provide investors with direct exposure to XRP through traditional financial markets.

XRP Community Support and Market Outlook

Legal expert John Deaton, who has represented XRP holders in past proceedings, also forecast strong inflows for XRP ETFs. He said that the dedicated XRP community, often called the XRP Army, could play an important role in adoption. Deaton highlighted that during the Ripple case, more than 75,000 holders from 143 countries joined as amici curiae, showing a level of engagement not seen before in other crypto lawsuits.

Deaton also compared the potential demand for ETFs to his earlier prediction about Gemini’s XRP-linked credit card. That card later became one of the platform’s most used products, with support from XRP holders. He argued that the same strong base of users could drive investor participation in ETFs, should they be approved.

With CME futures activity at record levels and regulatory deadlines approaching, experts suggest that XRP ETFs could attract substantial attention once introduced. The combination of institutional interest and community backing positions XRP as one of the leading candidates for broader ETF adoption in the coming months.

Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!

Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders: