XRP ETF Approval Odds Surge to 98% Amid Regulatory Delays

Investor Optimism for an XRP ETF has soared to near-certainty, with Polymarket reflecting a 98% approval probability despite recent regulatory delays. The SEC has postponed decisions on Franklin Templeton and 21Shares' spot XRP ETF applications, extending review deadlines to June and late May, respectively. While short-term confidence has dipped—July 2025 approval odds now stand at just 19%—the long-term outlook remains bullish. As of December 20, XRP's price is holding steady at 2.20620000 USDT, signaling resilience amid uncertainty. This article delves into the factors driving this optimism, the implications of SEC delays, and what lies ahead for XRP in the evolving ETF landscape.

XRP ETF Approval Odds Surge to 98% on Polymarket Amid SEC Delays

Investor optimism for an XRP ETF has reached near-certainty on Polymarket, with approval odds hitting 98% despite recent regulatory setbacks. The SEC delayed decisions on Franklin Templeton and 21Shares' spot XRP ETF applications, pushing review deadlines to June and late May respectively.

Short-term confidence took a hit, with July 2025 approval odds plummeting to 19%. Yet the long-term outlook remains bullish—December 2025 approval probabilities hold firm at 93%, suggesting institutional expectations of a Q4 launch. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart projects potential SEC movement by October 18, aligning with historical approval timelines for crypto ETFs.

Ripple's RLUSD Gets Green Light in Dubai DIFC

Ripple has secured a significant regulatory milestone in the Middle East with the approval of its RLUSD stablecoin in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move marks a strategic expansion into one of the world's fastest-growing financial hubs, reinforcing Ripple's global liquidity infrastructure.

The DIFC, known for its progressive stance on digital assets, has granted RLUSD access to its exclusive sandbox environment. This development positions Ripple alongside institutional players in a jurisdiction actively shaping the future of blockchain-based finance.

Ripple's RLUSD Stablecoin Receives Regulatory Approval in Dubai, Fueling XRP Optimism

Dubai's Financial Services Authority has granted official approval to Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency adoption in the Middle East. The clearance enables 7,000+ companies within the Dubai International Financial Centre to utilize RLUSD for cross-border transactions, treasury management, and digital asset custody—placing it alongside regulated stablecoins like USDC and EURC.

Market analysts are pricing in a potential 21.5% surge for XRP following the announcement. The token's value proposition strengthens as RLUSD integrates with Dubai's real estate infrastructure through a blockchain-based title deed system developed with the Dubai Land Department. This institutional adoption signals growing trust in Ripple's payment infrastructure.

The approval underscores Dubai's progressive stance on digital assets while providing Ripple with a strategic foothold in MENA's financial ecosystem. Traders are monitoring XRP's reaction across major exchanges as the news amplifies bullish sentiment in altcoin markets.

Analyst Predicts XRP Could Rally to $19 in Current Market Cycle

XRP's weekly chart structure shows a highly compressed pattern, reminiscent of its 2017 bull run, according to independent analyst Maelius. The token is currently trading above a dynamic support zone at $2.25, with a 3.33% gain this week. A 'giga bull flag' has formed over the past four months, characterized by converging lower highs and higher lows, suggesting an impending breakout.

Drawing parallels to the 2017 cycle, Maelius projects a potential surge to $19 if the pattern resolves similarly. The 50-period exponential moving average (EMA) at $1.78 reinforces this bullish outlook. Momentum indicators further support the comparison, hinting at a repeat of XRP's historic volatility and upside potential.

Ripple CEO Denies $5 Billion Circle Acquisition Rumors Amid Stablecoin Expansion

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has categorically denied speculation about a potential $5 billion acquisition of stablecoin issuer Circle. Speaking at the XRP Las Vegas event, Garlinghouse dismissed weeks of market chatter, stating the company never pursued such a deal.

Georgetown Law professor Chris Brummer, who moderated the session, confirmed Garlinghouse's unequivocal stance. "Brad was clear that Ripple didn't pursue an acquisition of Circle," Brummer noted on social media platform X. This contradicts earlier unverified reports suggesting Ripple had made acquisition offers ranging from $5 billion to $20 billion.

The denial comes as Ripple expands its own stablecoin offerings, positioning itself as a competitor rather than a potential acquirer in the growing stablecoin market. Market observers had speculated such a deal could reshape the competitive landscape between dollar-pegged crypto assets.

XRP Price Rebounds as Analyst Targets $50 Threshold

XRP has staged a recovery after a 3% weekly decline, climbing 2% to $2.23 amid renewed market optimism. The sixth-largest cryptocurrency now commands a $131.36 billion market capitalization as traders anticipate potential upside.

Technical analysts highlight emerging bullish patterns, with one prominent chartist projecting a long-term $50 price target. The prediction comes as XRP demonstrates relative strength against major altcoins, though skeptics caution about the token's regulatory overhang.