In a significant development for the crypto investment landscape, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially delayed its review of XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) filings submitted by two major asset managers: Bitwise and CoinShares.
This move, while not entirely unexpected, has sparked a fresh wave of speculation and debate among investors, analysts, and XRP enthusiasts.
🧾 What’s Happening?
The SEC has acknowledged ETF filings related to spot XRP ETFs by Bitwise (via Cboe BZX) and CoinShares (via Nasdaq), initiating the formal review process. Under SEC rules, the commission can take up to 240 days to issue a final decision, and this current delay simply means the agency is using more time to consider all angles before giving a green or red light.
⚖️ Why the Delay?
The SEC’s hesitance stems largely from ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding XRP. In 2023, a federal judge ruled that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors, a big win for Ripple and the broader crypto market. However, the SEC has since appealed that decision, which means the legal classification of XRP is still up in the air.
📈 Market Reactions
Despite the delay, XRP’s price remained relatively stable, trading around $2.45 USD, with minor fluctuations. This indicates that investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.
According to Crypto Briefing, analysts estimate a 65% probability that the SEC will ultimately approve at least one XRP ETF, possibly setting a historic precedent.
🧠 Thought Leadership
“Innovation always moves faster than regulation. Our job is to ensure innovation doesn’t leave common sense behind.”
— Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest
This quote underscores the current dilemma: balancing innovation in digital assets with responsible oversight.
🔮 What’s Next?
- Public Comment Period – The SEC is inviting public feedback, particularly for the Bitwise filing, over a 21-day period.
- Extended Review – The commission could pause or reset review timelines multiple times within the 240-day window.
- Legal Developments – Keep an eye on the SEC’s appeal related to the 2023 XRP ruling. A court decision here could heavily influence ETF approvals.
🧭 Final Thoughts
While the SEC’s delay is a speed bump, it’s not a dead end. The mere fact that major firms like Bitwise and CoinShares are pursuing XRP-based ETFs signals confidence in the asset’s long-term legitimacy.
For crypto investors, this is a watch-and-wait moment—one that could usher in a new era of institutional investment in altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Stay tuned. The XRP ETF race is far from over. 🏁
