Trading under the ticker symbol XRPI, the new fund began trading today on the Nasdaq, offering both retail and institutional investors a new way to gain exposure to XRP without directly holding the cryptocurrency.

This milestone marks a significant expansion of XRP's presence in traditional finance, potentially opening the floodgates for broader adoption. The ETF tracks XRP futures via a Cayman Islands-based subsidiary, with at least 80% of the fund's net assets invested in XRP-linked instruments.

The first-ever 1x XRP futures ETF has begun trading today on Nasdaq.

The ETF, named XRPI and offered by Volatility Shares, provides both retail and institutional investors with a new way to gain exposure to XRP without directly holding the cryptocurrency.

This milestone marks a significant expansion of XRP’s presence in traditional finance and could potentially open the floodgates for broader adoption.

The ETF tracks XRP futures via a Cayman Islands-based subsidiary, with at least 80% of the fund’s net assets invested in XRP-linked instruments, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The launch was confirmed by Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Balchunas, who described the fund as a “market first.”

“Less risky than the existing 2x (HAS:VXRSI) which has $120m in assets and trades $35m daily. Shows strong demand for XRP.”

Lower-Risk Option Gains Momentum

The new 1x XRP ETF is designed to appeal to risk-conscious investors who want to track XRP price movements without facing the volatility associated with leveraged ETFs.

The move is especially significant in light of growing institutional interest in Ripple crypto and its underlying technology.

Industry experts believe the XRPI ETF could serve as a stepping stone toward even more robust investment vehicles, including the long-awaited spot XRPI ETF.

While leveraged options like the 2x XRP ETF have drawn over $106 million in assets since April, the XRP offers a more stable route for exposure.

“There will be demand for this one,” Balchunas remarked, highlighting the rapid growth of similar XRP investment products as a clear indicator of market enthusiasm.

CME and Regulatory Signals Add Momentum

Adding to the momentum, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) recently rolled out both standard and micro XRP futures contracts.

These are cash-settled and benchmarked to the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate. Trading volume for these futures exceeded $2.4 million on day one and later rose to $19 million, according to market analyst Chad Steingraber.

“Interest in XRP has steadily increased,” said Giovanni Vicioso, head of crypto products at CME. He noted that institutional investors are looking for “regulated derivatives products across a wider range of tokens.”

This institutional uptick is timely, as the SEC is currently reviewing proposals for spot XRP ETFs submitted by 21Shares and Franklin Templeton.

Decisions are expected by June 17, 2025, and the sentiment among market participants is optimistic. On Polymarket, over 83% of traders anticipate that a spot XRP ETF will be approved before the end of the year.

Changing Regulatory Climate Favors XRP

Another key factor driving optimism in the Ripple market is the recent leadership change at the SEC.

New chairman Paul Atkins, who succeeded Gary Gensler, is seen as more crypto-friendly and open to innovation in financial markets. Gensler had previously blocked numerous altcoin ETF applications and was viewed as a major obstacle in the Ripple lawsuit saga.

Industry insiders say Atkins’ appointment could mark a turning point.

“I simply don’t see this SEC not approving spot XRP ETF,” said Nate Geraci, president of the ETF Store, echoing broader industry confidence.

The possibility of spot approval follows years of legal uncertainty stemming from the XRP SEC lawsuit, which has significantly impacted Ripple XRP news headlines. However, with partial legal clarity and increasing market maturity, the token is gaining traction once again.

Outlook for XRP Price and Investor Interest

As Ripple news gains traction, many analysts believe these developments could have a direct impact on XRP value in the near future.

While XRP still trails Bitcoin and Ethereum in terms of market capitalization, the introduction of regulated investment vehicles could be a catalyst for renewed growth.

Traders are closely watching XRP price prediction charts, especially with key levels such as $2.95, $3.39, and $3.87 being floated as the next bullish targets. The consolidation of XRP above the $2.30 zone has already been interpreted as a healthy sign of market structure.

Additionally, XRP’s association with major institutions like the Ripple Bank of America partnership, along with its growing list of use cases on the Ripple ledger, continue to support its long-term fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

The launch of the XRPI ETF by Volatility Shares represents a pivotal moment in XRP’s integration into mainstream finance. With futures now trading on both Nasdaq and CME, and the probability of a spot ETF approval rising, XRP is securing a strong foothold on Wall Street.

While regulatory uncertainties remain, today’s launch sends a clear signal: XRP is no longer just a cryptocurrency—it’s becoming a core component of institutional portfolios and a serious contender in the evolving digital asset landscape.

As Ripple exchange products continue to evolve and regulatory clarity improves, investors will be watching closely for the next chapter in this unfolding story.