XRP is at the center of speculation as SBI Holdings, a prominent financial sector player, eyes the US ETF market. This strategic move has fueled widespread rumors about a potential XRP ETF, thanks to SBI’s strong partnership with Ripple, the largest holder of the token.
In early July, SBI began minting non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. This activity underlines SBI’s commitment to digital assets. Furthermore, SBI’s leadership has consistently endorsed the token, adding weight to the speculation.
A local report reveals that SBI Holdings plans to establish an investment management company with Franklin Templeton, a major US investment firm. This venture, focusing on digital assets, will see SBI holding a 51% stake, while Franklin Templeton will hold 49%. The formation of this company is expected by the end of the year, signaling a significant move towards crypto assets.
The prospect of an XRP ETF is not far-fetched. In June, Ripple President Monica Long argued that launching the token’s spot ETF in the US market makes sense. She pointed out that the token, consistently among the top 10 cryptocurrencies, meets key criteria for such an investment product. However, Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, suggested the market is not yet ready for a spot ETF, emphasizing the need for a regulated trading history, potentially through a futures ETF first.
XRP Market Predictions
Industry opinions on the token remain optimistic. Yoshitaka Kitao, Chairman and CEO of SBI Holdings, has expressed confidence in XRP’s future, especially if Ripple wins its ongoing legal battle with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Crypto expert The Bearable Bull also predicts that the token will hit new all-time highs, asserting there’s “0% chance XRP won’t go to new all-time highs.” He believes the token’s price is closely tied to Bitcoin’s rise and expects XRP ETFs in 2025.
Several bullish catalysts for the token include its relisting on all exchanges, the launch of automated market makers (AMMs), the Xahau sidechain, Ripple’s stablecoin, and the Metaco custody solution. Additionally, a potential Ripple IPO, increased political focus on crypto, and expected regulatory clarity are on the horizon. Ripple’s legal case is likely to conclude this summer, setting the stage for significant developments in the XRP market.
