SEC Acknowledges Bitwise’s Spot XRP ETF Filing: A Turning Point for Ripple?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has acknowledged Bitwise’s filing for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), nudging the cryptocurrency further into mainstream finance. This step sets the gears of the SEC’s formal review process in motion, opening a window for public comments before the agency makes a call. But, as always with crypto, nothing is set in stone yet.

A Crowded Race for XRP ETFs

Bitwise is hardly alone in this push. Other firms—Grayscale, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Canary Capital—have already lined up with similar filings, all angling to carve out a piece of what could be a lucrative new market. The timing makes sense: with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs now a reality, the market is eager to see whether XRP will get the same treatment.

If given the green light, the Bitwise spot XRP ETF would offer investors a regulated way to gain exposure to XRP, currently the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Analysts argue this could further legitimize the asset, offering a clearer path for its integration into the traditional financial system.

Read More: How to buy XRP

Regulatory Uncertainty and Market Reaction

Even with the excitement, the regulatory backdrop remains murky. Acknowledgment is one thing; approval is another entirely. The SEC will dig into details like investor protection measures and market manipulation risks before making a decision.

The unresolved legal spat between the SEC and Ripple Labs over XRP’s classification as a security still looms large. Some observers believe the SEC’s willingness to even entertain these ETF filings hints at a softening stance on crypto. Others remain skeptical, pointing out that the agency’s history suggests a tough road ahead.

XRP Price Outlook: Breakout or Breakdown?

As of February 20, 2025, at 1:33 PM IST, XRP is trading at $2.69, reflecting a slight increase of 0.05% from the previous close. The intraday high reached $2.74, with a low of $2.55. The token has been moving within a symmetrical triangle pattern, a setup traders often eye for an impending breakout. After touching $3.40 in January, XRP pulled back, consolidating between $2.50 and $2.75.

Technical indicators point to a critical test: a breakout past $2.75 could clear a path toward $3.05 and possibly $3.52, while a breakdown below $2.50 might trigger a slide toward key support levels at $2.29 or even $1.95. Traders are watching closely, ready to react.

Read More: XRP Price Prediction

Institutional Sentiment and Future Outlook

Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas peg the likelihood of an XRP ETF approval at 65%—not a guarantee, but certainly not a long shot either. However, market experts warn that too many new ETFs without strong demand could lead to overcrowding, diluting the potential impact of any single product.

Katalin Tischhauser, Head of Research at Sygnum Bank, raised concerns that some crypto ETFs might struggle if institutional demand doesn’t materialize. She highlighted that tokens with lower liquidity are more prone to extreme volatility, making them a tougher sell for large investors.

What’s Next?

The SEC will now open a 21-day public comment period before moving forward, with a final decision expected within 240 days. If Bitwise’s ETF makes it through, it could mark a watershed moment for XRP, paving the way for more mainstream adoption.

For now, investors are left playing the waiting game—tracking price movements, watching for SEC signals, and hoping for regulatory clarity in a space that rarely offers it.