XRP ETF Approval Imminent: $33 Price Target in Sight as SEC Review Looms

In a groundbreaking development for cryptocurrency markets, Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas has declared XRP ETF approval odds 'essentially 100%,' signaling a transformative moment for digital asset adoption. The streamlined SEC processes have eliminated traditional 19b-4 filing requirements, creating an unprecedented regulatory pathway for XRP's mainstream financial integration. Asset managers are already submitting amended S-1 forms, indicating preparations for immediate market entry once approvals are granted. The upcoming October period represents a critical juncture, with the SEC scheduled to review six spot XRP ETF applications between October 18-24. Grayscale leads the impressive lineup of applicants, positioning XRP for potential explosive growth. Market analysts project a $33 price target based on anticipated institutional inflows and the structural impact of ETF approval. This development comes at a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency regulation, demonstrating significant progress in bridging traditional finance with digital assets. The elimination of 19b-4 requirements marks a substantial regulatory shift, potentially setting a precedent for other digital assets seeking ETF status. Current market sentiment reflects growing optimism among institutional investors, with many positioning for what could be one of the most significant cryptocurrency developments of 2025. The convergence of regulatory clarity, institutional interest, and market timing creates a perfect storm for XRP's potential price appreciation, making this one of the most closely watched financial narratives in the digital asset space.

XRP ETF Approval Now Seen as Inevitable, With $33 Price Target in Sight

Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas has declared XRP ETF approval odds 'essentially 100%,' citing streamlined SEC processes that eliminate traditional 19b-4 filing requirements. Asset managers are already submitting amended S-1 forms, signaling imminent market entry.

October emerges as the decisive month, with the SEC scheduled to review six spot XRP ETF applications between October 18-24. Grayscale leads the lineup, followed by 21Shares, Bitwise, and other major players. Regulatory changes have transformed the landscape—approvals now require only clearance from the SEC's Corporation Finance division.

Market participants anticipate rapid approvals, with some analysts projecting a $33 xrp price target post-launch. The crypto's liquidity profile and established regulatory clarity position it as the logical successor to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

How the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact XRP ETF Approvals

The U.S. government shutdown has introduced fresh uncertainty for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for pending XRP ETF applications. While historical data shows minimal impact on traditional markets—the S&P 500 gained during past shutdowns—crypto markets often react with heightened volatility. Liquidity shifts and risk appetite fluctuations could amplify price swings in digital assets.

Regulatory delays pose the most immediate threat. The SEC, operating with reduced staff, may slow its review of ETF filings, potentially derailing the anticipated "ETF-tober" launch window. XRP, alongside other crypto assets awaiting regulatory greenlights, faces postponed institutional adoption timelines. Market participants are bracing for prolonged uncertainty as the political stalemate continues.

XRP Price Holds Steady Amid Ripple CTO Transition Announcement

XRP maintained stability at $2.85 despite a 1.5% dip as Ripple's Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz revealed his December 2025 departure. The token demonstrates resilience with a 1.2% weekly gain and 4% monthly increase, trading within a $2.71-$2.98 range.

Market activity remains robust with $4.9 billion in daily spot volume, though derivatives data shows cooling interest—futures volume dropped 3.9% to $5.21 billion while open interest declined 1.57% to $7.42 billion. This suggests reduced Leveraged positioning, leaving spot markets to dictate price action.

Schwartz, known as JoelKatz in the XRP community, will transition to a board role after 13 years as CTO. The announcement comes during a period of technical consolidation for XRP, with traders assessing the long-term implications of leadership changes against broader market conditions.

XRP Bullish Momentum Builds as SEC–CFTC Join Forces

U.S. regulators are taking a historic step toward crypto clarity. The SEC and CFTC held their first joint roundtable in 15 years, focusing exclusively on digital assets. This marks a potential turning point for an industry long plagued by jurisdictional ambiguity.

The discussion centered on critical issues: ETF regulation, custody requirements, and DeFi compliance. Analyst SMQKE notes the alignment between investor protection (SEC) and derivatives oversight (CFTC) could create a more harmonious regulatory landscape.

For XRP and other cryptocurrencies, this development signals growing institutional recognition. The roundtable's focus on frameworks suggests regulators may finally provide the certainty crypto innovators demand.

XRP Price Prediction For October 5: Can it Hold the Momentum?

XRP trades at $2.83, caught in a consolidation phase with neutral signals from MACD and RSI. Analysts project a 1.85% uptick as the token notches its highest quarterly close on record. The resolution of Ripple’s SEC lawsuit has injected regulatory clarity, potentially accelerating the launch of XRP ETFs.

Price action oscillates between $2.75 support and $2.95 resistance, with market sentiment hinging on ETF approvals and supply dynamics. A 1.56% daily decline underscores the current equilibrium. Institutional interest grows palpable—a futures-based XRP ETF debuted in July 2025, while spot ETF applications await SEC review. Approval could mirror Bitcoin’s ETF-driven liquidity surge, reshaping investor access through traditional brokerage channels.

Ripple CTO David Schwartz Steps Down After 13 Years, Remains Active in XRPL Community

David Schwartz, the architect behind XRP Ledger's Core technology, is transitioning from his day-to-day role as Ripple's Chief Technology Officer. The blockchain pioneer will assume an emeritus board position while continuing to contribute to XRPL development. His departure coincides with intensifying competition in cross-border payments, as SWIFT partners with Consensys to launch a rival blockchain solution.

Schwartz's legacy includes designing XRP Ledger's native decentralized exchange and consensus mechanism. "I'm looking forward to spending more time with family and returning to neglected hobbies," Schwartz stated in his resignation announcement. The engineer emphasized he'll maintain active involvement in the XRP ecosystem through independent coding projects and community engagement.

This leadership transition occurs during a pivotal moment for Ripple, which continues to navigate regulatory challenges while defending its market position against traditional financial infrastructure providers adopting blockchain technology. The XRP community now watches how Schwartz's reduced operational involvement might influence the protocol's future development trajectory.