XRP Makes Wall Street Debut: Nasdaq Lists First-Ever Futures ETF Today

Wall Street just got a new crypto toy—whether it deserves one or not.

The first-ever XRP futures ETF hits Nasdaq today, marking a watershed moment for Ripple’s embattled token. Traders can now bet on the digital asset without touching the underlying blockchain—because why actually use crypto when you can speculate on its price swings?

From Courtrooms to Trading Floors

This launch comes despite XRP’s ongoing regulatory limbo. The SEC still insists it’s a security; Ripple’s lawyers insist it’s not. Meanwhile, Wall Street found a loophole: futures contracts let institutions play the game while pretending they’re not holding the bag.

The Cynic’s Bonus

Because nothing screams ’mature asset class’ like letting hedge funds gamble with derivatives of a token that can’t decide if it’s currency, security, or courtroom exhibit.

Folks – it’s happening! In a bold (and awesome) step toward mainstream crypto integration, Volatility Shares will officially launch the first-ever 1x XRP Futures ETF, and trade under the ticker $XRPI on Nasdaq. 

This debut marks a historic first for Ripple’s native token and signals that XRP may finally be stepping into the ETF spotlight long dominated by Bitcoin and Ethereum.

“Good signal that there will be demand for this one,” noted Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, pointing to surging interest in crypto-linked investment vehicles.

VolatilityShares is launching the first-ever XRP futures ETF tomorrow, ticker $XRPI.. yes there is a 2x XRP already on market (this is first 1x) and it has $120m aum and trades $35m/day. Good signal that there will be demand for this one. pic.twitter.com/rCooyNZgu0

Here’s what you should know. 

Inside the XRPI Launch: Structure, Exposure, and Strategy

Filed with the U.S. SEC on May 21, the XRPI ETF is part of the Volatility Shares Trust and offers indirect exposure to XRP futures via a wholly-owned Cayman Islands subsidiary. The fund aims to invest at least 80% of its net assets in XRP-linked instruments – providing regulated access to Ripple’s price action without requiring investors to hold the token itself.

This 1x product stands out in a space mostly populated by Leveraged plays, making it a more measured approach for those seeking XRP exposure without amplified volatility. 

Because some like playing it SAFE and there’s nothing wrong about that! 

The Race for Leverage: XRP’s ETF Wars Heat Up

This isn’t the last stop for Volatility Shares. The firm is preparing to roll out a 2x XRP futures ETF, promising double the daily price appreciation of XRP via leveraged exposure.

Teucrium Investment Advisors launched its 2x leveraged XRP ETF ($XXRP) on April 8, drawing $5.43 million in debut volume and now boasting $120 million in AUM with $35 million in daily trading volume. The demand is clear AND growing.

All Eyes on XRP

The timing couldn’t be better. Just days ago, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) rolled out XRP Futures and Micro XRP Futures, with CME’s crypto head Giovanni Vicioso noting increased appetite for “regulated derivatives products across a wider range of tokens.”

Meanwhile, the race for a spot XRP ETF is accelerating. Heavyweights like Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, and 21Shares are already lining up. With new SEC Chair Paul Atkins – a noted crypto ally – at the helm, Polymarket betters now place 83% odds on a spot XRP ETF approval this year. Those are some good odds, right?