- Crypto.com’s CEO predicts an XRP ETF could attract $8 billion in inflows, following Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF precedents.
- Coinbase’s XRP reserves have plunged 90% in three months, sparking discussion about institutional accumulation and OTC transactions.
XRP is once again at the center of industry debate as speculation builds around the possibility of a U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) for XRP. Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, believes that an XRP ETF could draw as much as $8 billion in inflows within its first year.
This estimate, he says, is based on the precedent set by Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which saw rapid inflows following approval. An XRP ETF, Marszalek argues, could offer institutional and retail investors a regulated entry point, potentially transforming liquidity and embedding the token deeper into mainstream financial activity.
At the same time, a dramatic shift in exchange balances is underway. Market data shows that Coinbase’s XRP holdings have fallen nearly 90% over the past three months, dropping from nearly 1 billion tokens to just 99 million.Â
ETHNews analysts and traders are now asking where these coins have gone and what it means for the market’s next move. The leading explanations focus on possible institutional accumulation, private custody, or over-the-counter (OTC) deals that allow large investors to buy without moving market prices.
Reduced exchange balances have often led to higher price volatility. When available supply dries up, even moderate buying can send prices much higher in a short period. This trend is particularly pronounced when major regulatory events, such as ETF approvals, are in play.
The current environment is also marked by regulatory advances for Ripple and growing interest from banks and payment processors. As speculation around a potential ETF mounts, all eyes remain on the interplay between institutional moves and retail participation. With the supply of XRP on exchanges sharply lower, market participants are watching for any sign that this scarcity could spark a new surge for the token.
XRP (Ripple) is trading at $3.017, reflecting a 0.69% intraday decline. Despite the minor pullback, XRP continues to hold above the critical $3 psychological level. On the year, XRP remains one of the top-performing large-cap assets, with a 414.34% increase over the past 12 months, and a 45% gain year-to-date.
From a technical perspective, XRP is currently consolidating above key moving averages after breaking a long-standing resistance trendline. While momentum has cooled slightly — with RSI falling from 59 to 52 — the broader setup still favors a bullish continuation, particularly if price closes above the $3.04 resistance zone. A breakout above this level could trigger a move toward the all-time high at $3.66, last seen in 2018.
The ecosystem is also buzzing with positive news catalysts. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is reportedly preparing to launch XRP futures options, which could significantly expand institutional exposure and enhance market liquidity. Moreover, XRP futures open interest has climbed to 2.78 billion XRP, reflecting strong trader confidence and elevated participation. On-chain metrics further confirm this sentiment, showing reduced selling pressure and increasing wallet accumulation.
In the legal and regulatory sector, XRP continues to benefit from the 2023 ruling by Judge Torres, which clarified that XRP sales on exchanges are not securities — a precedent that has opened the doors for U.S. institutions to engage with XRP-based products more freely. This has set the stage for the launch of the first U.S. spot XRP ETF, which many believe could unlock billions in demand over the coming months.
Prediction: If XRP manages a strong daily close above $3.04, the price is expected to surge toward $3.45–$3.58 in the next 5–8 trading days. Conversely, if rejection occurs, expect a short-term retracement to $2.93, where the 200-day SMA currently provides solid technical support.
