Future Success of Crypto Exchange-Traded Funds Predicted for 2025 by Laser Digital
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to review multiple cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, with several XRP-based ETFs expected to receive final decisions by October 2025. This positive outlook is largely influenced by the appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC chairman in April 2025.
Atkins' pro-crypto stance and emphasis on explicit digital asset regulations are expected to expedite approvals and reduce the backlog of pending crypto ETF applications. His leadership represents a fundamental policy shift from the previous administration's more cautious stance.
Several conditions underpin this outlook. The nearing resolution of Ripple's legal case against the SEC will remove significant regulatory uncertainty for XRP-based products. The launch of XRP futures on the CME in May 2025 enables ETFs linked to these regulated futures to qualify for an "express lane" approval process under the SEC’s recent listing guidelines.
This regulatory framework builds on the precedent set by the SEC’s prior approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, situating XRP ETFs to benefit from established criteria. Besides XRP ETFs, other altcoin ETFs such as those for Solana also have filings under review, reflecting broader industry momentum coinciding with the SEC’s evolving stance under Atkins.
The crypto ETF niche is expected to continue expanding alongside rising institutional interest throughout 2025. Pro-crypto regulators appointed by Donald Trump will serve as a significant catalyst, while countries like the UK, UAE, Hong Kong, and Singapore are formulating new laws that could potentially be favorable for digital assets. The European Union is also expected to see positive momentum in the crypto-ETF market due to the new regulatory framework from the MiCA bill.
Industry consensus assigns a high probability—up to 95%—that XRP ETFs will be approved by the end of 2025, bolstered by these regulatory and market developments. With this positive outlook, it seems that the future of crypto ETFs, particularly XRP ETFs, is looking bright.
[1] Laser Digital, "Crypto ETFs Could See a Productive 2025," January 2025. [2] CoinDesk, "SEC's New Chair Signals Shift Toward Crypto-Friendly Regulations," April 2025. [3] Bloomberg, "Paul Atkins: The Man Who Could Greenlight Bitcoin ETFs," April 2025. [4] Financial Times, "Altcoin ETFs Gain Momentum as SEC's Stance Evolves," June 2025.
Investors might find opportunities in the crypto finance sector as the SEC's positive shift towards crypto-friendly regulations, led by Chairman Paul Atkins, could expedite approvals for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and potentially XRP and other altcoin ETFs, such as Solana. This evolving stance aligns with the expectations of a productive 2025 for crypto ETFs, driven by an increasing number of favorable regulations globally.
