U.S. SEC Begins Countdown to XRP Spot ETF Approval, D-Day Set for February 26

▲ XRP (XRP), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) / ChatGPT-generated image

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to make a final decision later this month on whether to approve a major asset manager’s new spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), drawing significant market attention.

According to crypto-focused outlet The Crypto Basic on February 18 (local time), the SEC is expected to announce its decision by February 26 regarding the spot XRP ETF application submitted by T. Rowe Price. The decision is seen as a major turning point that could accelerate the integration of cryptocurrencies into the institutional financial system, with investors closely watching whether a new investment vehicle will open within the month.

Currently, five firms operate XRP-related products in the U.S. market, including a fund launched by Franklin Templeton on November 24 last year. These funds collectively manage assets ranging from approximately $1.064 billion to $1.229 billion, reflecting a steady inflow of institutional capital. If T. Rowe Price’s product gains approval, analysts expect broader options for institutional investors and a further boost to market liquidity.

Market analysts note that XRP is forming a support level around $1.45, and news of an approval could trigger a strong rebound momentum. UK-based banking giant Standard Chartered has issued an aggressive forecast that XRP could climb to $8 this year, driven by increased regulatory clarity and the impact of a spot ETF approval. Optimism has also grown around the proposed U.S. crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, with an estimated 80% likelihood of passage, contributing to easing regulatory risks.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently emphasized in an interview that securing legal clarity that XRP is not a security represents a significant milestone. The SEC has gradually eased its stance on digital assets, recently allowing in-kind order processing for spot products and permitting altcoin index products. Against this backdrop, approval of a new ETF would go beyond the launch of a financial product and serve as a catalyst for digital assets to establish themselves as core components of the traditional financial architecture.

The crypto industry is confident that this decision could signal the full-scale arrival of the altcoin ETF era, following Bitcoin and Ethereum. The entry of a large asset manager is expected to enhance retail investor accessibility and boost overall market credibility. As the SEC’s final announcement approaches, a significant shift in institutional capital centered on XRP and broader market restructuring appears to be gaining momentum.

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