A shift is taking place in the U.S. ETF landscape, and this time it’s not happening through formal announcements but through subtle regulatory signals.
Key Takeaways:
- New SEC guidance appears to speed up the approval process for pending crypto ETFs.
- Analysts say Bitwise’s XRP ETF may be the closest to launching next.
- The shift comes as crypto markets face heavy selling pressure and extreme volatility.
- XRPC’s record-breaking Nasdaq debut has increased expectations for the next XRP-linked fund.
Fresh SEC guidance released this week has quietly unlocked a faster pathway for crypto issuers trying to bring new exchange-traded funds to market. According to several analysts, Bitwise’s proposed XRP ETF now appears to be positioned ahead of the pack.
Regulatory backlog speeds up ETF momentum
For weeks, dozens of altcoin ETF filings were stuck in post-shutdown limbo as the SEC worked through an unprecedented logjam of registration statements. The new guidance outlines multiple routes for issuers to achieve effectiveness without waiting through the usual full review cycle — including automatic approval under certain circumstances. While the commission didn’t explicitly endorse any fund, industry researchers expect this procedural change to accelerate timelines for crypto products waiting in the queue.
Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas highlighted the development, noting that issuers who structured their paperwork efficiently may be able to go live sooner than expected. In his assessment, Bitwise’s XRP ETF stands out as one of the filings now closest to the finish line.
SEC put out some guidance where it looks like issuers can sort of speed up the effectiveness of filings in an effort to clear out some backlog. My guess is some of those crypto etfs that didn’t do the 8a thing will try and push out as soon as they can. Bitwise XRP is due next up… pic.twitter.com/vY3ja5Xk1I
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 14, 2025
The ETF race continues despite a brutal market backdrop
The regulatory shift comes during a period of intense turbulence in digital asset markets. The total crypto market cap has dropped below $3.3 trillion, erasing more than $1 trillion in value in just a month. Selling pressure has been relentless, yet trading activity remains elevated — daily volume surged nearly 50% in the past 24 hours as investors repositioned capital across the sector.
The unusual combination of steep price declines and high turnover has fueled speculation that traders are preparing for upcoming ETF launches rather than exiting the market entirely.
XRPC sets the benchmark
If Bitwise does launch next, it will be entering a competitive arena shaped by last month’s debut of Canary Capital’s XRPC — the first pure XRP spot ETF listed on Nasdaq. Despite launching during a market selloff, XRPC stunned the industry with $59 million in first-day trading volume and $245 million in inflows. The performance even surpassed Bitwise’s well-received BSOL fund, which launched with $57 million in opening day volume.
The success of XRPC has reset expectations for what XRP-focused funds can do, even in bearish market conditions. It also demonstrated that investor appetite for altcoin ETFs hasn’t weakened — as long as institutional infrastructure exists to support trading.
All eyes shift to the SEC’s next move
The remaining variable is timing. The SEC has not stated whether it will adhere to its historical 30-day review period while clearing its backlog. The new guidance, however, makes it possible for issuers to activate filings automatically if they meet specific criteria. That nuance is why analysts believe the next ETF launch may arrive suddenly rather than with weeks of advance notice.
If momentum continues, Bitwise could soon become the next major player to bring XRP exposure to traditional markets. And if it follows the pattern set by XRPC, the launch may land not because the market is strong — but because institutional demand persists even when the market is weak.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Source: https://coindoo.com/analysts-expect-another-xrp-etf-approval-soon-as-sec-fast-tracks-filings/