What is XRP? Why should we pay attention to it?

XRP is a cryptocurrency launched by Ripple Labs, aimed at cross-border payments, with fast transaction speeds and low costs. It consistently ranks in the top ten by market capitalization and is one of the mainstream on-chain payment tokens. Since 2023, XRP has been embroiled in legal battles with the SEC, leading to significant price volatility, but its application prospects remain optimistic.

Interpretation of XRP Futures ETF Listing

On May 22, 2025, Volatility Shares launched the world’s first XRP Futures ETF (Ticker: XRPI), trading on NASDAQ. According to the prospectus, this ETF:

• Asset allocation: At least 80% of net assets are invested in XRP futures contracts and other XRP-related derivatives on CME.
• Fee rate: Net total fee rate 0.94%, competitive among similar products.
• Compliance Framework: Large-scale futures trading is conducted through a subsidiary in the Cayman Islands to optimize taxes and compliance.

This product eliminates the complexity of private key custody and wallet management, providing traditional investors with a safer and more convenient exposure.

XRP latest price and market performance

Figure:https://www.gate.com/trade/XRP_USDT

On May 28, the price of 1 XRP closed at $2.30, with a daily decline of about 2.01%. This pullback was mainly due to a slight downturn in the overall cryptocurrency market, but since the launch of the ETF, the volatility range of XRP has narrowed, and institutional participation has increased.

Investor Perspective: Opportunities and Risks Brought by ETF

1. Improvement in compliance recognition
ETF is a mainstream financial instrument. The listing of XRP indicates an increased recognition of XRP derivatives by regulators, which helps further promote the approval of spot ETFs.

2. Liquidity Structure Optimization
The listing of ETFs can attract more institutional funds, potentially reducing the severe fluctuations caused by insufficient depth in the over-the-counter market in the future.

3. Product fee rate and yield comparison
Compared to Teucrium’s already launched XXRP (2x leveraged XRP ETF, with an AUM of approximately 121 million USD and an average daily trading volume of 35 million USD), XRPI offers a 1x leveraged lower risk option, suitable for conservative investors.

4. Potential Risks

• Futures basis risk: ETFs track futures contracts, which may have a deviation risk from spot prices.
• Rates and roll-over costs: Futures contracts need to be rolled over regularly, resulting in roll-over costs.
• Market sentiment driven: In the short term, the market remains susceptible to macro and industry news.

Beginner Investment Advice

• Diversified allocation: XRPI can be included in the investment portfolio along with spot XRP and other crypto ETFs to diversify risk.
• Investment strategy: Invest in batches to reduce timing risk.
• Pay attention to regulatory developments: Continuously track the SEC’s approval process for the spot XRP ETF. If approved in 2025, it may bring greater price volatility.
• Choose a suitable exchange: for example, compliant and secure exchanges like Gate to purchase.

Conclusion

The launch of the XRP Futures ETF is an important step in the financialization of crypto assets. For newcomers, understanding the structure of ETFs and market risks, combined with diversification and dollar-cost averaging strategies, can help establish a solid position in potential opportunities. If a spot version of the ETF is approved in the future, the XRP market landscape may be reshuffled again, which is worth paying close attention to.