XRP ETF Speculation Heats Up as SBI Holdings Eyes the US Market

XRP is at the center of speculation as SBI Holdings, a prominent financial sector player, eyes the US ETF market. This strategic move has fueled widespread rumors about a potential XRP ETF.

Prominent financial sector player SBI Holdings is reportedly eyeing the US ETF market with a focus on XRP. This news has sparked widespread rumors about a potential XRP ETF, given SBI's strong partnership with Ripple, the largest holder of the XRP token.

In early July, SBI began minting non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, showcasing its commitment to digital assets. Moreover, SBI's leadership has been vocal in their endorsement of the XRP token, adding further fuel to the speculation.

According to a local report, SBI Holdings is planning to establish an investment management company with Franklin Templeton, a major US investment firm. This venture will reportedly concentrate on digital assets, with SBI holding a 51% stake and Franklin Templeton holding 49%. The formation of this company is expected by the end of the year, signaling a significant move by SBI into the crypto asset space.

The prospect of an XRP ETF has been a subject of discussion within the crypto community. In June, Ripple President Monica Long argued that launching the token's spot ETF in the US market would make sense. She highlighted that the token, consistently among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, meets the key criteria for such an investment product. However, Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, suggested that the market is not yet ready for a spot ETF, emphasizing the need for a regulated trading history, which could be established through a futures ETF first.

XRP Market Predictions

Industry opinions on the XRP token remain largely optimistic. Yoshitaka Kitao, Chairman and CEO of SBI Holdings, expressed confidence in XRP's future, especially if Ripple emerges victorious in its ongoing legal battle with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Crypto expert The Bearable Bull also predicts that the token will reach new all-time highs, asserting that there's "0% chance XRP won't go to new all-time highs." He anticipates that the token's price will follow Bitcoin's rise and predicts XRP ETFs in 2025.

Several bullish catalysts for the XRP token are touted, including its relisting on all exchanges, the launch of automated market makers (AMMs), the Xhau sidechain, Ripple's stablecoin, and the Metaco custody solution. A potential Ripple initial public offering (IPO), increased political attention on cryptocurrencies, and expected regulatory clarity are also on the horizon. The conclusion of Ripple's legal case this summer could pave the way for further major developments in the XRP market.