XRP News Today: SEC's 20-day review period begins, launching the XRP ETF competition toward mainstream adoption

The cryptocurrency sector is undergoing a significant transformation as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seems ready to accelerate the approval process for

spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 21Shares AG, a prominent digital asset firm, by submitting an updated prospectus for its XRP ETF under Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, marking a major milestone toward institutional integration of Ripple’s token. This development follows similar steps by companies such as Canary Capital Group and Franklin Templeton, fueling hopes that XRP may soon be listed alongside and in the ETF market .

Section 8(a) allows ETF applications to automatically take effect after 20 days unless the SEC objects—a process in which

without challenge. Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas commented that 21Shares’ submission “starts the countdown” for a possible launch, seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum. The planned XRP ETFs, utilizing custodians such as Gemini and BitGo and referencing indices like the CoinDesk XRP NY Rate, are designed to offer institutional investors a regulated and liquid way to gain exposure to the token .

XRP’s value jumped over 6% to $2.32 after the announcement, indicating increased investor optimism. The token’s appeal to institutions is further strengthened by Ripple’s ecosystem progress, and collaborations with Mastercard and WebBank. that the approval of an XRP ETF could drive wider adoption, especially in cross-border payments where XRP’s efficiency and low fees already outperform conventional systems.

At the same time, Ethereum’s recent Fusaka upgrade, which aims to boost scalability by tenfold,

in keeping up with XRP’s growing institutional traction. Although Ethereum’s on-chain activity remains strong, with large holders accumulating $1.38 billion in ETH over the past 10 days , the network’s scalability issues and regulatory ambiguity create uncertainty for its short-term outlook. Ethereum is currently priced at $3,410, , underlining the necessity for ongoing institutional investment to replicate Bitcoin’s ETF-fueled surge.

The competition for an XRP ETF has also drawn parallels to Ethereum’s initial ETF hurdles.

that the current influx of XRP ETF applications marks a “clear turning point” toward broader acceptance, in contrast to Ethereum’s lengthy regulatory struggles. International XRP ETFs, such as the Rex-Osprey XRP ETF with $114.6 million in assets under management, , adding pressure on U.S. regulators to respond.

Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like

(ZEC) and (DCR) have also attracted renewed attention, from Cypherpunk Technologies, led by Tyler Winklevoss. While not directly related to XRP or Ethereum, this trend reflects a rising institutional interest in specialized digital assets with distinct advantages.

With the SEC’s 20-day review period underway for XRP ETFs, investors are watching closely for any signs of approval. As XRP’s institutional framework becomes more robust and Ethereum’s upgrades are still unfolding, XRP’s ability to follow in Bitcoin’s ETF-driven footsteps could

.