SEC Approves ProShares XRP Futures ETFs, Set for April 30 Launch

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the launch of ProShares’ XRP futures-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The trio of new ETFs — Ultra XRP ETF (2x leverage), Short XRP ETF (-1x inverse), and Ultra Short XRP ETF (-2x inverse) — are scheduled to begin trading on April 30, 2025.

Unlike spot ETFs, which directly hold the underlying asset, these futures-based products allow investors to speculate on XRP’s price movements without owning the token itself. Futures ETFs typically track the price of contracts that bet on the future price of an asset rather than the asset itself. This development follows the earlier launch of Teucrium’s XRP futures ETF on April 8, 2025, highlighting growing investor demand for XRP-related financial products.

These ETFs provide investors with a range of strategic options. The Ultra XRP ETF offers 2x leveraged exposure, aiming to deliver twice the daily performance of XRP futures. Conversely, the Short XRP ETF seeks to deliver the inverse of XRP’s daily performance, allowing investors to profit from price declines. Meanwhile, the Ultra Short XRP ETF provides -2x inverse exposure, magnifying potential returns from bearish moves in XRP’s price.

Regulatory Shift and Market Response on XRP

The approval marks a notable shift in the SEC’s approach to XRP, following years of contentious legal battles involving Ripple Labs, the company closely associated with XRP. Ripple’s case, which centered on whether XRP should be classified as a security, had long clouded regulatory clarity around the asset. Under the leadership of new SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, the agency appears to be embracing a more crypto-friendly stance, encouraging innovation and expanding investment choices in the digital asset sector.

The broader market reaction has been immediate and enthusiastic. XRP’s price surged to $2.28 following the announcement, pushing its market capitalization to approximately $131 billion. Analysts suggest that the approval of these ETFs could serve as a catalyst for further gains, as it enhances XRP’s legitimacy and broadens its investor base.

Investors interested in gaining exposure through the newly approved ETFs will be able to access them via major brokerage platforms such as Fidelity, Robinhood, Vanguard, and TD Ameritrade starting April 30. Financial advisors and institutional investors are also expected to show interest, given the increased liquidity and portfolio diversification benefits these products can offer.

The launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs represents another milestone in the evolving relationship between digital assets and U.S. financial regulators. As futures-based products continue to gain traction, industry watchers anticipate that the approval of spot XRP ETFs could soon follow, opening new avenues for crypto adoption within traditional finance.

With this move, ProShares cements its position as a leader in cryptocurrency-linked ETFs, building on its earlier success with Bitcoin futures ETFs. The approval signals a maturing market where regulatory frameworks are gradually adapting to accommodate the growing demand for digital asset investment vehicles.