In a major development for the cryptocurrency sector, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) has approved ProShares’ launch of XRP futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with trading set to begin on April 30, 2025.

This move is poised to reshape the landscape for XRP investors and highlights a broader shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes toward digital assets.

Understanding XRP and Ripple

XRP is a digital token created by Ripple Labs, a company focused on revolutionizing cross-border payments. Ripple’s network aims to connect international banks, enabling instant money transfers without the inefficiencies of traditional systems like SWIFT. XRP serves as a bridge currency within this network, offering rapid, low-cost transactions. A single cross-border transfer using XRP costs just a fraction of a cent, demonstrating its utility in real-world financial ecosystems.

Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the SEC, which began in 2020, had cast a long shadow over XRP’s price. However, a more crypto-friendly political environment under President Donald Trump and recent developments hinting at a settlement have significantly improved sentiment around XRP.

What Are XRP Futures ETFs?

ProShares, already known for its Bitcoin Futures ETF (BITO), proposed three XRP-linked ETFs back in January 2025:

1. Ultra XRP ETF (2x leveraged)

2. Short XRP ETF (inverse -1x leveraged)

3. UltraShort XRP ETF (inverse -2x leveraged)

These futures ETFs will track XRP prices based on the XRP Index, allowing investors to speculate on XRP’s price movements without owning the actual token. This differs from spot ETFs, which require the fund to hold the underlying asset itself.

The ETFs will invest in a combination of XRP futures contracts, swaps, and cash balances in money market instruments, including U.S. Treasuries. Importantly, this offers a regulated pathway for investors to engage with XRP price trends while reducing direct exposure risks.

Why This Approval Matters

The approval of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is a watershed moment for several reasons:

1. Regulatory Recognition: It marks increasing acceptance of XRP as a legitimate asset class within regulated U.S. financial markets.

2. Institutional Interest: The move could unlock substantial institutional capital, mirroring patterns observed after the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

3. Market Sentiment: XRP prices have already reacted positively, surging over 6% to $2.28 in early trading on April 28, with daily trading volume soaring by more than 53%.

In contrast, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies saw price declines during the same period, highlighting XRP’s relative strength.

Ripple’s Legal Saga and Future Prospects

The backdrop of these developments is Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC. However, recent reports indicate that Ripple and the SEC have reached an agreement to settle the case. As part of the settlement:

1. Ripple will pay $50 million of a previously escrowed $125 million penalty.

2. The SEC will withdraw its appeal regarding the “Programmatic Sales of XRP” ruling.

3. Judge Analisa Torres may lift the injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors.

If finalized, this settlement could remove a significant overhang on XRP and further boost its market credibility.

Broader Implications for XRP Spot ETFs

ProShares has also filed for a spot XRP ETF, which is currently pending SEC approval. A spot ETF would involve holding actual XRP tokens rather than futures contracts, offering a more direct exposure option to investors.

The precedent set by Brazil — where Hashdex recently launched the world’s first spot XRP ETF — suggests that once one major market opens the gates, others tend to follow. Betting platform Polymarket now places the odds of a U.S. XRP-spot ETF approval by December 2025 at 78%, up from 68% earlier this month.

Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart maintains high confidence in an eventual approval, predicting final decisions by October 2025.

XRP Price Outlook

Following the SEC’s announcement and broader market enthusiasm:

1. Current Price: $2.2335

2. Market Cap: $136 billion

3. 52-Week Range: $0.39 to $3.38

XRP is currently consolidating above key support levels near $2.10, with resistance around $2.22. A decisive breakout above $2.40 could set the stage for a retest of previous highs at $3.3999 and eventually its all-time high of $3.5505.

Still, downside risks remain, particularly if the Ripple-SEC settlement faces delays or if macroeconomic conditions worsen. A bearish scenario could see XRP retreat toward the $1.50 mark.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for XRP and Crypto Markets

The launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is more than just a new investment product, it signals the maturing of the crypto industry and growing mainstream acceptance of alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

With Ripple nearing a possible resolution with the SEC, rising institutional interest, and the growing likelihood of spot ETF approvals, XRP is well-positioned for a significant evolution in 2025 and beyond. However, investors should remain cautious and monitor legal and regulatory developments closely.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our newest snack lineup at Karaoke Manekineko – a collection of freshly prepared, hearty Onigiri! Carefully crafted to offer both quality and flavor, each onigiri weighs over 200g and is the perfect companion for your karaoke experience.

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At Karaoke Manekineko, we believe singing and snacking go hand-in-hand! To make your karaoke experience even more delightful, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new soft-serve ice cream lineup in collaboration with Saturdae and Goodday Full Cream Milk.

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About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

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XRP, the Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency, is once again at the center of the digital asset conversation. It faces a storm of legal, regulatory, and market developments that may define its long-term future.

From courtroom battles to ETF speculation, and from macroeconomic shifts to surging investor activity, XRP finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.

Legal Developments: The Ripple vs. SEC Saga Nears Conclusion

In a recent turn of events, XRP was named as an unregistered security in a new lawsuit filed against Coinbase by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Alongside XRP, several other prominent tokens—such as ADA, AVAX, AAVE, UNI, FLOW, LINK, and MKR—were also targeted. This move drew criticism from the crypto community and Coinbase, which labeled the suit as “meritless” and an attempt at “regulation by enforcement.”

This development sparked confusion because XRP’s regulatory status had ostensibly been resolved in 2023 when a federal judge ruled that XRP was not a security when sold to retail investors. The SEC later dropped its appeal, especially following the departure of its former chair, Gary Gensler.

Optimism is now growing around the possibility of a final settlement in the Ripple-SEC lawsuit. With the recent confirmation of crypto-friendly Paul Atkins as the new SEC Chair, many anticipate that the agency’s tone will shift. Already, Ripple and the SEC have filed a joint motion to pause appeals in favor of settlement discussions, fueling speculation that a formal resolution—and the lifting of legal restrictions—could arrive imminently.

ETF Momentum: XRP Takes the Spotlight

Amid the backdrop of legal clarity, XRP is rapidly emerging as a top candidate for a U.S. spot-based exchange-traded fund (ETF). According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, XRP is among the leading tokens in over 72 crypto-related ETF filings currently under review.

Notable players like Grayscale, Bitwise, WisdomTree, and even Fidelity have shown interest in launching XRP-backed products.

Earlier this month, Teucrium launched the first leveraged XRP ETF, the 2X XRP ETF, aiming to deliver double the daily price performance of XRP. Analysts suggest this could pave the way for an unlevered, spot-based ETF, potentially triggering large-scale institutional inflows.

Bill Morgan, a prominent pro-crypto legal analyst, noted a 67.5% spike in active XRP addresses just before Coinbase launched XRP derivatives—another critical signal of institutional and retail interest converging. Morgan emphasized that these futures are typically precursors to spot ETFs, offering a bridge between traditional finance and crypto without the complexities of direct custody.

Market Performance and Investor Sentiment

On the technical front, XRP has experienced substantial growth. After surging more than 327% year-over-year—from $0.49 to recent highs around $2.30—the token briefly touched $2.3007 before pulling back to around $2.24.

Despite the short-term resistance at the $2.30 mark, bullish sentiment remains high. Trading volumes peaked at $5.92 billion, though they have slightly dipped to around $5.86 billion, indicating a potential consolidation phase.

Large transactions by XRP whales—over 650 million XRP in April alone—suggest that smart money is positioning for future gains. If accumulation continues, it could set the stage for the token to test higher resistance levels at $2.70, $3.00, and even $3.60, with some analysts projecting a target of $10 within 12 to 18 months under sustained bullish conditions.

Macroeconomic and Political Catalysts

XRP’s momentum is also being influenced by broader economic and political shifts. Remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump about reducing tariffs on Chinese imports and supporting a crypto-friendly regulatory approach have added fuel to the rally.

Trump Media’s plans to launch ETFs combining stocks and cryptocurrencies have further stoked speculation that XRP could be featured in these hybrid financial products—particularly as the token is set to play a role in the U.S. digital-asset reserve program.

Meanwhile, Fed policy remains a double-edged sword. While rate hikes have pressured risk assets in the short term, the expectation of eventual monetary easing is contributing to longer-term optimism.

Investor Psychology: Navigating Between Hope and Hype

Despite the clear signs of progress, the XRP community remains a mix of hopeful anticipation and impatience. Influencers like Edoardo Farina argue that many investors overlook tangible gains, focusing instead on unrealistic price targets. Analysts echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of long-term perspective and milestone recognition over short-term volatility.

Indeed, XRP is no longer the speculative bet it once was. With legal clouds lifting, ETFs on the horizon, and real-world use cases validated, XRP is transitioning into a mature, institutionally palatable asset.

Conclusion: A Defining Chapter for XRP

XRP is now navigating one of the most consequential periods in its history. Legal clarity, renewed institutional interest, ETF momentum, and broader macroeconomic shifts are aligning in a way that could fundamentally alter its future.

Investors are advised to maintain a balanced view—recognizing the risks, but also appreciating the unprecedented opportunities. While the path ahead will not be without obstacles, XRP’s trajectory suggests that it may soon emerge not only as a survivor of regulatory scrutiny but as a leader in the next wave of digital finance.

With key catalysts in motion and strong foundations in place, XRP’s next chapter could very well be its most transformative.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

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For many years, 555 Sardines has been a Filipino household staple because of its rich flavors, versatility, and ability to bring back fond memories. The 555 Foodie Awards was more than just a cooking competition—it was an initiative that prompted passionate Filipino cooks to push the limits of creativity, transforming 555 Sardines into a catalyst for innovative recipes.

The 555 Foodie Awards, which kicked off in November 2024, is not just an endorsement of the 555 Sardines brand–it serves as a platform for food lovers to share their culinary explorations.

No less than Abi Marquez, one of today’s top-tier food content creators, kicked off the contest with her own exciting 555 Sardines recipe. Abi inspired home cooks from around the country to throw their hat in the ring, leading to entries that showcased diverse and inventive ways to incorporate 555 Sardines into unique culinary creations.

The competition drew more than 130 entries, with participants sharing short videos of their original dishes, ranging from traditional Filipino classics to bold, fusion-inspired creations, with one dish coming out on top.

Hoy Ember’s Nacho Ala Bomba was an outstanding example of creativity and skill, earning the content creator from Cabuyao, Laguna the first-ever 555 Foodie Awards Superstar crown. His creation embodied the very essence of the 555 Foodie Awards—transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary, impressing both the judges and the online audience with its fresh culinary take and unique presentation.

“It was an exciting journey joining the 555 Foodie Awards!” shared Hoy Ember. “I first saw the call to join in our Food Group on Facebook and immediately shared it with my fellow food creators. We decided to take a leap of faith and join together, eager to showcase our culinary creativity. I approached the competition with a ‘make the most of what I have’ mindset. Working with limited ingredients and equipment pushed me to rely on creativity to craft dishes that followed the given mechanics. I focused on the process, enjoyed the journey, and left the outcome to chance. Winning was a bonus, but the real prize was the experience itself.”

Beyond the excitement of the competition, the 555 Foodie Awards fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together home cooks who were determined to create new and delicious dishes with 555 Sardines. Their ingenuity proves that simple ingredients, paired with passion and imagination, can transform into something truly extraordinary.

“We are overjoyed by the enthusiasm and support shown by the Filipino community,” said Tam Salonga – Patiño, Senior Product Manager of 555 Sardines. “The overwhelming number of entries and the incredible engagement we received online reaffirmed that 555 Sardines is not only a trusted kitchen staple but also a source of inspiration and innovation for Filipino families.

With the 555 Foodie Awards’ successfully concluded, 555 continues its role in celebrating culinary creativity and providing affordable, delicious, and nutritious meal options for every Filipino household.

To check out the winning recipe and other standout entries, visit 555 Isdalicious on Facebook and be inspired to create your own 555 Sardines masterpiece!

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES