The race to become the first altcoin with a U.S.-listed spot ETF is heating up—and XRP is pulling ahead. ProShares, which made waves in 2021 with the launch of the first Bitcoin futures ETF, is now preparing to release its XRP futures ETF as early as April 30. Though the fund won’t hold XRP directly, its launch signals growing institutional appetite for Ripple’s native token.

ProShares’ move follows a wave of renewed interest in XRP across the broader crypto market. Analysts suggest that spot XRP ETF approval may not be far behind. Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, sees it coming “sooner rather than later,” citing increased demand from issuers and investors.

Market data from Kaiko supports that outlook. XRP has surpassed Solana in ETF readiness, buoyed by surging spot volumes, deep liquidity, and a resurgence in U.S. listings. The introduction of leveraged XRP products, including Teucrium’s 2x ETF, only strengthens the case: if higher-risk products are approved, the door for vanilla spot ETFs may be closer to opening.

Since Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, XRP has climbed over 300%, attracting institutional flows and rising to the fourth-largest crypto by market cap. While it still trades below its all-time high of $3.40, its recent momentum suggests that investor confidence is returning.

Should the SEC give the green light to a spot XRP ETF, it would mark a pivotal moment—not just for Ripple, but for the broader altcoin market. Approval would also symbolize a shift in regulatory tone, which has historically leaned cautious toward anything beyond Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Bottom line? XRP is no longer just a legal recovery story. It’s shaping up to be a frontrunner in crypto’s next institutional chapter. Whether that makes it a buy—or a sell on strength—depends on your risk appetite and time horizon.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.