In mid-July, during the buzz of Crypto Week in Washington, $XRP stunned the market by hitting $3.65 — its highest price in over a year and just inches away from its all-time high of $3.84. The excitement didn’t just come from the price action. For many investors, the conversation shifted from if XRP would break $4 to when.

And based on multiple indicators, that breakthrough may come sooner than expected — possibly before October 1st.

But what could drive this next wave? One massive catalyst stands out: a potential Spot XRP ETF.

What is a Spot ETF — and Why Does XRP Need One?

Unlike traditional ETFs that rely on derivatives, a Spot ETF directly holds the asset it represents. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) already have approved Spot ETFs, allowing institutional investors to gain direct price exposure through a regulated, easy-to-trade vehicle.

XRP, currently the third largest crypto asset by market cap (≈$180B), is uniquely positioned to follow in their footsteps. Major players in traditional finance are already lining up to bring a Spot XRP ETF to market.

Key ETF Filing Dates to Watch:

Grayscale: SEC decision expected on October 18

21Shares: Decision expected on October 19

Bitwise: Decision expected on October 20

If the SEC follows the same strategy it applied to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs — approving them together or extending deadlines for further review — we could see a simultaneous green light. Some sources even suggest an accelerated approval window in September, citing internal regulatory momentum.

Why a Spot XRP ETF Would Be a Big Deal

Despite lacking a Spot ETF, XRP already commands about 5% of the total crypto market. That alone puts it on institutional investors’ radar. According to JPMorgan, the launch of a Spot XRP ETF could draw up to $8 billion in capital inflows by the end of 2025.

This capital surge — combined with growing retail interest — would significantly increase demand, potentially pushing XRP well beyond the $4 threshold as early as Q4 2025.

Currently, some XRP-related ETFs exist but are derivative-based — meaning they don't hold real XRP, but rather simulate price movements through contracts. Despite this limitation, demand for these products has been strong. If a Spot ETF enters the scene, the market impact could be exponential.

ETF vs. Direct Purchase — What Should Investors Do?

Institutional investors prefer ETFs for many reasons:

Simpler custody and compliance

Integrated with existing brokerage platforms

Meets internal financial controls and regulations

But retail investors have another option: buying XRP directly through exchanges like Coinbase or Binance.

Direct ownership of XRP:

Gives you full control over the asset

Allows participation in ecosystem features (like staking or DeFi)

Bypasses ETF management fees

Moreover, BlackRock, the dominant force behind Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, has not filed for a Spot XRP ETF — suggesting retail buyers might have a better edge through direct ownership, at least in the short term.

The Road Ahead — Is XRP Ready to Cross $4?

All signs point to a critical Q4 for XRP. Whether it’s a pre-approval surge or post-approval institutional wave, the market could be on the edge of a massive move.

The real question isn’t just “Will XRP reach $4?” — it’s “How will you choose to hold it?”

ETF buyers will gain price exposure with ease and security

Direct holders will control the asset and its broader utilities

Either way, the coming months may represent a turning point for XRP — both in price and perception.

The storm is forming. The window to position yourself — as an investor, trader, or long-term believer — is now.

Stay alert. The XRP era may just be entering a new phase.