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According to Cointelegraph, Ripple and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have jointly filed a motion to release $125 million held in escrow to cover settlement costs mandated by the court. The agreement stipulates that $50 million will be allocated to the SEC as a civil penalty against Ripple, while the remaining $75 million will be returned to Ripple, pending court approval. This resolution aims to conserve resources by eliminating the need for further appeals and bringing an end to over four years of litigation. The SEC's lawsuit against Ripple has been a pivotal case for cryptocurrency regulations in the United States. Concluding this litigation marks a significant milestone for an industry that has largely achieved legal recognition in the country. The case gained attention in July 2023 when Judge Analisa Torres ruled that secondary sales of XRP tokens do not classify as securities, granting a partial victory to Ripple and the broader crypto sector. However, the ruling also determined that XRP sales during funding rounds were securities transactions, as they were offered as compensation for investment in a business enterprise. Following this, Ripple was ordered to pay a $125 million penalty to the SEC in August 2024. The SEC, dissatisfied with the ruling, filed an appeal in October 2024, just before the U.S. presidential election. Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, later announced in March 2025 that the SEC had decided to drop its appeal, a decision he celebrated as the effective conclusion of the case. Ripple subsequently agreed to withdraw its cross-appeal, securing a refund from a lower court that allowed the company to retain $75 million of the penalty initially imposed. This development signifies a turning point in the legal landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States, as the resolution of this high-profile case may influence future regulatory approaches. The outcome underscores the ongoing evolution of legal frameworks surrounding digital assets, as stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of integrating cryptocurrencies into existing financial systems.

Key Takeaways:XRP trades around $2.27, up nearly 10% from recent lows, fueled by surging optimism over ETF approval.Polymarket odds for a 2025 XRP ETF approval have hit 98%, reflecting strong investor confidence.Analysts predict a rally to $25–$27 followed by a potential 90% correction if history repeats.Corporate adoption, CME futures, and Ripple's legal clarity are boosting XRP’s institutional appeal.XRP Price Surges Toward $2.30 as ETF Sentiment Hits Record HighXRP is trading at approximately $2.27 on Binance.com, recovering from last week’s dip to $2.06 and posting a 9.7% rebound. Analysts attribute the rally to rising optimism surrounding the potential approval of a U.S.-based spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) — a catalyst that could dramatically reshape the altcoin's price trajectory.According to prediction market platform Polymarket, the odds of an XRP ETF approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by year-end have surged to 98%, up from just 68% in April. The jump in sentiment follows several bullish developments, including Ripple’s legal wins, the successful launch of CME’s XRP futures, and new filings from institutional players like Bitwise, Grayscale, and 21Shares.Institutional Interest in XRP Soars with ETF and Treasury MovesThree separate firms — including Webus International, which filed for a $300 million XRP strategic reserve — plan to allocate over $471 million to XRP holdings. These corporate treasuries, combined with institutional demand signaled through CME futures (which posted $19 million in first-day volume), reflect growing investor appetite for regulated XRP exposure.Though the SEC has not yet approved any XRP ETF, analysts believe the mounting pressure from major asset managers and a maturing derivatives market have dramatically improved the asset’s regulatory outlook.Price Forecast: Analysts See $25–$27 XRP, Then Sharp PullbackCrypto analysts, including Egrag Crypto and Jaydee_757, suggest XRP could reach between $20 and $27 in 2025 if an ETF is approved and market momentum holds. Their projections rely on long-term technical patterns, such as the 21-week EMA and 33-week SMA alignments and historic bullish divergences similar to 2017.Jaydee_757 specifically draws parallels between current charts and the 2017 XRP rally that saw prices multiply 20x from $0.0055 to over $3.40. If history repeats, XRP could climb 1,000% to hit $25 before entering a deep bear cycle correction.However, both analysts caution that after a parabolic rise, XRP may experience a severe crash — potentially retracing as much as 86% to 90%, bringing the price back down to $2–$3.Volatility Expected Ahead of ETF DecisionWhile XRP continues to trade under its February high of $3.00, the growing institutional narrative could change the game. Investors are advised to prepare for extreme volatility in either direction as ETF approval odds tighten and macro market conditions — including interest rate decisions and crypto regulation — evolve.If an ETF gets the green light, XRP could finally break above its long-term resistance. But as history suggests, parabolic rallies often end in steep declines.

According to PANews, recent data from XRPScan indicates a significant slowdown in activity on the XRP Ledger. Payment transactions have dropped to 320,747, marking the lowest level since October last year, and falling well below the average of over a million transactions from March to early May. The number of active addresses has also decreased to below 10,000, the lowest since October. Additionally, the amount of XRP destroyed as transaction fees has fallen to 1,500, aligning with a slowdown in new account creation. This decline follows a strong first quarter performance, where payment transactions increased by 36% and active addresses grew by 142%. Despite this, a Messari report remains optimistic about the XRP Ledger's future, citing increased institutional adoption through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.In recent developments, Bitcoin has surged to a record high of over $110,000, rising more than 40% from its early April low. This rally has boosted the market, with XRP climbing from $1.6 to $2.6, a 62% increase. However, the upward momentum has stalled, with XRP remaining well below its January peak of approximately $3.4. This suggests that XRP has not benefited from Bitcoin's new highs as it did earlier in the year, potentially indicating weakened demand. Caution is advised, as a potential Bitcoin downturn could exert pressure on XRP prices.

According to Odaily, Webus International Limited, a mobile travel service provider, is exploring a financing strategy of up to $300 million to establish an XRP reserve fund. This initiative aims to support its global payment solutions through diversified non-equity financing tools. The strategy may involve utilizing available cash reserves, bank loans, shareholder guarantees, and third-party institutional credit support from traditional banks. By adopting these non-dilutive financing methods, the company seeks to maintain capital flexibility, support long-term growth, and protect shareholder value while advancing its digital asset and cross-border payment strategic goals.

According to BlockBeats, data from the official website indicates that the probability of the Ripple ETF being approved this year is currently reported at 83% on Polymarket.

According to PANews, Ripple's Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty has announced that the company has submitted a supplementary letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) cryptocurrency task force. The letter focuses on the issue of when digital assets can be separated from investment contracts, addressing concerns raised by SEC Commissioner Peirce in her 'New Paradigm' speech.In the letter, Ripple references legal analyses from 2022 and the ruling in the 2023 SEC v. Ripple Labs case, emphasizing that XRP itself is not a security. Ripple argues that most crypto assets should not be considered securities when traded in secondary markets. The company also suggests that the SEC introduce a 'safe harbor' mechanism to provide clearer compliance guidance for market participants. Ripple proposes criteria based on network maturity to help determine which digital assets have separated from investment contracts.Ripple expresses its desire to continue dialogue with the SEC to promote transparency and clarity in cryptocurrency market regulations, aiming to provide a clearer direction for industry development.

According to PANews, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated a formal review of the proposed rule change by Cboe BZX Exchange to list and trade the WisdomTree XRP Fund. The fund aims to track the spot price of XRP and will be valued daily based on the CME CF Ripple-Dollar reference rate. Its holdings will consist solely of XRP, cash, and cash equivalents. The SEC is assessing whether the proposal complies with regulations designed to prevent market manipulation and protect investors, as outlined in Section 6(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act. As of now, no decision has been made to approve or deny the proposal. The public is invited to submit written comments for consideration during the review process.

According to Cointelegraph, recent on-chain analysis suggests that XRP, despite its impressive rally of over 385% since late 2024, may be approaching a market top. More than 70% of XRP's realized market capitalization has been accumulated between late 2024 and early 2025, indicating that many investors bought at higher prices. This pattern, observed by Glassnode, mirrors previous market tops where newer investors, sensitive to price fluctuations, often trigger significant sell-offs during corrections. Historical data shows that similar conditions in late 2017 and 2021 led to substantial declines in XRP's value, raising concerns about a potential local top forming in January 2025. XRP's network activity has also seen a significant decline. After reaching record levels in March 2025, the number of active addresses has plummeted by over 90%, returning to pre-breakout levels. This drop in activity, while not a definitive warning, suggests that fewer people are using XRP for transactions, with more investors opting to hold the cryptocurrency instead. Such divergences between rising prices and falling on-chain activity have historically appeared near local market tops, as seen in late 2017 and early 2021. Technical analysis of XRP's price movements indicates a potential 25% decline. The cryptocurrency's weekly chart reveals a consolidation within a falling wedge pattern. As of May 26, XRP showed signs of entering a short-term correction cycle after failing to break above the wedge's upper trendline. A broader pullback could see XRP's price move towards the wedge's lower trendline, aligning with the 50-week exponential moving average near $1.76, representing a potential 25% drop from current levels. This analysis highlights the importance of caution for investors, as market conditions suggest possible further declines. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consider the inherent risks in investment decisions.

Key Takeaways:XRPI, the first U.S. XRP futures ETF, began trading on Nasdaq with a 0.94% net expense ratio.The fund allocates 80%+ to XRP futures and related ETPs.A leveraged 2x version is in development, following strong demand for Teucrium’s XXRP.Analysts say this could pave the way for broader institutional adoption of XRP.First U.S. XRP Futures ETF Launches on Nasdaq — Is Institutional Demand Heating Up?XRP just took a major step toward Wall Street legitimacy as Volatility Shares launched the first U.S.-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking XRP futures on a 1:1 basis. Trading under the ticker XRPI on Nasdaq, the fund aims to provide regulated exposure to XRP futures — a move expected to attract institutional investors and trigger renewed interest in XRP markets.The fund will allocate at least 80% of its assets to XRP futures contracts and XRP-linked exchange-traded products (ETPs). The ETF’s net expense ratio is 0.94%, with a gross expense of 1.15%, according to its official prospectus.XRP ETF Details: Fees, Structure & What’s NextVolatility Shares is positioning XRPI as a non-leveraged, futures-based ETF, aiming to capture XRP’s performance without direct token exposure. According to the fund documentation:Ticker: XRPIExchange: NasdaqNet Expense Ratio: 0.94%Gross Expense Ratio: 1.15%Portfolio Composition: 80%+ XRP futures & XRP-linked ETPsA leveraged 2x XRP futures ETF is also in the pipeline, joining Teucrium’s XXRP, which launched in April and has already attracted $121 million AUM — a sign analysts interpret as strong demand for XRP-related institutional products.Institutional Demand for XRP Funds GrowsBloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas called the early success of XXRP a “good signal” for XRPI’s future, noting that the crypto ETF space is evolving beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. While spot XRP ETFs are still under review by the SEC, the launch of futures-based products may be a precursor to full market integration.These developments align with recent macro trends:XRP’s settlement with the SECGrowing open interest in XRP futuresRising demand for diversified crypto ETFsWhat This Means for XRP Price & Crypto ETF LandscapeThe XRPI launch could:Provide regulated on-ramps for institutional exposure to XRPIncrease derivatives market activity, affecting spot prices indirectlyAccelerate SEC review pressure for spot XRP ETF approvalStrengthen XRP’s E-E-A-T profile in traditional financial circlesWith over $2.2 billion already locked in XRP futures, the XRPI listing may push further capital toward XRP — especially if leveraged versions like the upcoming 2x ETF gain traction. Expert Take:“A futures-based XRP ETF on Nasdaq gives institutional investors a compliant way to gain XRP exposure, potentially unlocking a new wave of interest if performance follows.”— Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg

Key HighlightsXRP declined 6% over the past three months, despite broader market gains of 10%.Ripple concluded its legal case with the SEC on May 8, 2025.XRP was listed as a potential U.S. Digital Asset Reserve candidate earlier this year.Futures open interest in XRP reached $2.2 billion as of May 22, reflecting increased trading activity.XRP Trails Market Despite Positive DevelopmentsWhile the total cryptocurrency market cap has grown 10% in the past quarter, XRP’s price has moved in the opposite direction — recording a 6% decline in the same timeframe.This performance comes despite two notable events:Ripple's settlement with the U.S. SEC on May 8, 2025.XRP’s inclusion in the shortlist for the U.S. Digital Asset Reserve in March 2025.Derivatives Metrics Show Rising Market ActivityXRP futures open interest across major exchanges rose to 923 million XRP by May 22, equivalent to approximately $2.2 billion. This represents a 31% increase from two weeks earlier.Funding rates — a metric that reflects demand for leverage — reached an annualized 19% on the same date. This level exceeds the commonly observed neutral range of 7% to 14%.These metrics indicate heightened trading activity but do not necessarily imply directional market sentiment.Regulatory Progress Continues, but Legislative Engagement Remains LimitedRipple concluded its legal proceedings with the SEC, potentially clarifying regulatory standing in the United States.Despite this, direct engagement with U.S. lawmakers remains limited. No new policy changes or legislative support specific to XRP or Ripple were announced as of the publication date.Key Factors Influencing XRP in the Coming MonthsEventEstimated TimingSpot XRP ETF decisionQ4 2025On-chain activity developmentsOngoingRegulatory updates in the U.S.PendingMarket-wide sentiment shiftsVariable The above developments may influence trading volumes, investor interest, and market volatility in the XRP ecosystem.Market Outlook: Caution Persists Amid DevelopmentsWhile XRP has seen notable ecosystem and regulatory updates in 2025, its price action continues to diverge from broader market trends. The sustainability of increased derivatives activity remains uncertain.As of now, no official approval has been granted for a spot XRP ETF, and market response to prior developments appears measured.

According to BlockBeats, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) reported that its XRP futures contracts achieved a nominal trading volume exceeding $19 million on their first day. On Tuesday, the nominal trading volume reached at least $10 million. Market participants view the introduction of these regulated futures contracts as a potential step towards the approval of a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. Nate Geraci, President of ETF Store, expressed confidence, stating that a spot XRP ETF is only a matter of time.

According to Cointelegraph, the XRP cryptocurrency is exhibiting signs of a potential downturn as a classic head-and-shoulders pattern emerges on lower timeframes. This bearish technical formation, coupled with significant long liquidations and declining open interest, suggests weakening trader confidence in XRP futures. The head-and-shoulders pattern, identified on XRP's four-hour chart since May 9, indicates a possible 14% price drop. This pattern, known for signaling trend reversals, consists of three peaks: a higher peak (head) and two lower peaks (shoulders). The pattern is confirmed when the price breaks below the neckline, which connects the lows of the left and right shoulders, suggesting a potential sell signal. In XRP's case, the pattern was validated when the price fell below the neckline at $2.33 during early Asian trading hours on May 19. If the price remains below this level, the XRP/USD pair could further decline to $2.25, where the 200-day simple moving average currently resides, and potentially reach the pattern target of $2.00, marking a total loss of 14% from current levels. As reported by Cointelegraph, the possibility of a decline to as low as $2.00 is currently unfolding as bullish momentum wanes. Analyst Egrag Crypto emphasizes the importance of maintaining support at $2.30, which aligns with the head-and-shoulders neckline, to prevent a breakdown toward lower targets. The analyst's chart indicates that a drop below $2.30 could initiate a substantial sell-off, with initial targets around $2.15 and potentially as low as $1.60. In addition to the technical patterns, XRP's open interest has decreased by 18% to $4.49 billion over the past five days, signaling reduced trader confidence and liquidity, which contributes to downward price pressure. The recent decline in XRP's price has also led to liquidations, with long positions valued at $12 million being forcibly closed, compared to just $1.4 million in shorts. This scenario reflects increased selling pressure as bullish traders are compelled to sell at a loss, further driving prices lower. Notably, XRP's 3% drop over the last 24 hours is accompanied by a 70% surge in daily trading volume to $4.1 billion. An increase in trading volume amid a price decline can be interpreted as growing bearish momentum or repositioning by crypto traders as they anticipate XRP's next move. Readers are reminded that this article does not offer investment advice or recommendations, and every investment and trading decision involves risk. Conducting thorough research is advised before making any financial decisions.

According to PANews, U.S. District Court Judge Analisa Torres has dismissed a joint settlement motion filed by the SEC and Ripple. The motion sought to lift an injunction from an August 2024 ruling and to release $50 million from a $125 million civil penalty escrow to the SEC, with the remaining funds returned to Ripple. The judge ruled that the application did not comply with the procedural requirements outlined in Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Ripple's Chief Legal Officer stated that they will resubmit a settlement application that adheres to the rules. Legal experts suggest that both parties need to provide detailed justifications for the settlement under Rule 60, including the SEC's rationale for dropping other charges. The complete process is expected to take an additional 3-5 weeks. The judge emphasized that the dismissal was solely due to procedural issues and did not involve a substantive review of the settlement content.

According to Cointelegraph, XRP has experienced a significant rebound, rising over 50% in the past month after hitting a local low of $1.80. This surge is attributed to an improved risk appetite and the anticipation of an 'altseason.' However, recent technical patterns suggest potential short-term downside risks for the cryptocurrency. A double top formation near $2.65 indicates a possible trend reversal, with the pattern comprising two distinct peaks and a neckline around $2.47. Following the second peak, XRP fell below this neckline, confirming a bearish setup. This breakdown suggests a potential decline towards $2.30 if buyers fail to push the price above $2.65, signaling weakening momentum after a robust rally.XRP has also broken down from a rising wedge pattern, indicating a shift from bullish to bearish momentum. The cryptocurrency is currently testing support from the 50-4H exponential moving average (EMA). A confirmed breakdown below this support could lead to a 20% price drop to approximately $1.94. This target is derived from the height of the rising wedge pattern. The $2.00–$2.04 range is crucial as it holds significant leveraged long positions, which, if forced to close, could trigger a long squeeze, adding selling pressure and pushing the price closer to the $1.94 target.On-chain metrics, such as the Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL), indicate that XRP traders are in a 'denial' phase, expecting prices to rise despite fading momentum. Historically, this phase has preceded major corrections, as seen in 2018 and 2021. If history repeats, XRP may face further downside in the short term, aligning with the bearish technical setups of the double top and rising wedge patterns.Despite these short-term risks, XRP's long-term charts remain bullish. A potential 45% rally towards $3.69 by June is possible if a breakout from a multimonth falling wedge pattern occurs. However, if XRP falls below the wedge's upper trendline and loses support at the 20-day and 50-day EMAs, the bullish outlook could be invalidated, risking a decline towards $1.75. Long-term projections suggest targets of $5.24 and even $17, based on symmetrical triangle patterns and Fibonacci extensions. Overall, while short-term pullback risks exist, XRP's long-term charts indicate a persistent bullish bias, suggesting the rally may not be over.

According to Cointelegraph, XRP has experienced a significant price increase of over 55% since April, indicating potential for further gains. The cryptocurrency's price rose from a local bottom of approximately $1.61, driven by bullish technical patterns and on-chain data. Notably, whale flows have turned positive for the first time since November 2024, historically signaling trend reversals. This shift in whale behavior suggests a possible continuation of the upward trend. XRP whale wallets, which hold substantial amounts of the cryptocurrency, had been reducing their holdings since late 2024, leading to a sharp price correction from above $3.55 to below $2.00. However, as of mid-May 2025, the trend has reversed, with whale outflows slowing and the 90-day moving average of net flows turning positive. Historically, such positive shifts in whale flows have marked major bottoms or trend reversals, as seen in XRP's rally from around $0.43 in July 2024 to $3.55 in January 2025, resulting in approximately 400% gains. Technical analysis of XRP's price indicates a breakout from a multimonth falling wedge pattern on the 3-day chart, typically viewed as a bullish reversal setup. This wedge, formed between December 2024 and early May 2025, compressed price action while volume declined, signaling accumulation. The breakout occurred in early May near the $2.25 level, just above the 50-period exponential moving average (EMA), which now serves as key support. Based on the wedge's height, the breakout projects a price target near $3.45, approximately 40% above current levels. XRP's relative strength index (RSI) also supports the bullish outlook, bouncing back above 57 and indicating renewed buying momentum. Despite the optimistic projections, the path to the target may encounter resistance. Analysts have identified a key resistance level near $2.80 that could temporarily limit XRP's upward movement. In the short term, XRP may consolidate above its 50-day EMA, as whale inflows often signal the beginning of an accumulation phase before a stronger price breakout. Analyst Kripto Mavsimi notes that while the pace of outflows is slowing and showing signs of stabilization, it is not yet a full reversal. This base-building period could be a healthy development if it aligns with previous whale-driven rallies. Readers are reminded that this article does not provide investment advice, and all trading decisions should be made after conducting thorough research.

According to BlockBeats, on-chain analyst @ali_charts has identified a support level for XRP at $2.38. Currently, there is no apparent resistance above this price point.

According to Foresight News, data from Glassnode indicates that XRP futures open interest has surged by over $1 billion in the past week, rising from $2.42 billion to $3.42 billion, marking a 41.6% increase. This significant rise in leverage coincides with the increase in XRP's price from $2.14 to $2.48, suggesting heightened speculative activity and growing directional conviction.