XRP Futures Launch by CME Group Ignites ETF Speculation and Market Optimism

CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, has announced plans to launch XRP futures trading on May 19, 2025, pending regulatory approval. This significant development is expected to fuel further speculation about a potential XRP ETF and marks a major milestone for the cryptocurrency’s integration into traditional finance. The cash-settled futures contracts will be benchmarked against the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, providing institutional investors with a regulated avenue to gain exposure to XRP. With the launch just weeks away, the crypto community is abuzz with anticipation about how this could impact XRP’s price and adoption.

CME Group to Launch XRP Futures Trading, Sparking ETF Speculation

CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, has confirmed plans to introduce XRP futures trading on May 19, 2025, pending regulatory approval. The move follows months of speculation and rising demand for regulated XRP products.

The futures contracts will be cash-settled and benchmarked against the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, updated daily at 16:00 UTC. market participants can choose between micro contracts (2,500 XRP) and standard contracts (50,000 XRP).

This development is seen as a significant step toward broader institutional adoption of XRP, potentially paving the way for an ETF approval. The launch underscores CME Group’s continued expansion in the crypto derivatives market.

XRP Price Stalls in Sideways Movement Amid Uncertain Short-Term Trend

XRP continues to trade within a narrow range, showing minimal directional bias as market participants await clearer signals. The asset currently hovers at $2.18, posting a modest 1% gain, but technical patterns suggest potential volatility ahead.

Analysts observe a tentative three-wave upward structure that lacks conviction, leaving open possibilities of either trend continuation or another retracement. The B-wave correction appears incomplete, with bears potentially testing last week’s support zone between $2.02-$2.03. A breakdown could accelerate toward the $1.90-$2.00 demand area, completing a five-wave decline pattern.

CME to Launch XRP Futures in Major Boost for Ripple’s Digital Asset

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) will introduce XRP futures contracts on May 19th, marking a watershed moment for Ripple’s cryptocurrency. The offering includes both standard and micro-sized contracts, catering to institutional and retail traders alike.

CME’s entry signals growing institutional acceptance of XRP, contrasting with existing futures products on smaller platforms like Coinbase and Bitnomial. The development strengthens the case for a potential XRP Spot ETF, as regulators frequently view CME-listed derivatives as benchmarks for market maturity.

Ripple IPO Plans On Hold Despite Financial Stability, Says President Monica Long

Ripple has confirmed it will not pursue an initial public offering in 2025, ending years of speculation about a potential listing. The decision comes despite the company’s resolution of its protracted legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

President Monica Long emphasized Ripple’s strong financial position, noting the company holds billions in cash reserves. "IPOs typically serve to raise capital or enhance visibility—neither of which are pressing needs for us," she told CNBC. CEO Brad Garlinghouse echoed this stance, confirming the firm requires no external funding.

The shelved IPO plan marks an anticlimactic end to years of market anticipation. Garlinghouse had previously suggested 2022 as a potential timeframe for going public during earlier stages of the SEC litigation.