SEC faces deadline decision for XRP ETF approval in October

In October 2025, the United States will witness significant developments for XRP as two key regulatory decisions are set to unfold. The first of these is the final deadline for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve or deny applications for spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This will mark the culmination of months of speculation and anticipation, especially as multiple issuers, including Bitwise, Grayscale, and 21Shares, await a clear outcome from the SEC. Approval of these ETFs could potentially pave the way for institutional investments, significantly increasing XRP’s market value and accessibility for both retail and institutional investors. Simultaneously, Ripple, the company behind XRP, is expecting a ruling from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) concerning their application for a national banking charter. This ruling is crucial as it could grant Ripple the ability to operate under a federally regulated trust bank framework, which in turn would add substantial legitimacy to its operations. Approval would mean that Ripple could join the ranks of major U.S. financial institutions, providing a regulatory clarity that is expected to facilitate large-scale enterprise adoption of XRP. If both the spot XRP ETF and Ripple’s banking license are approved, the implications could be transformative. Experts predict that the price of XRP could see a substantial increase, potentially reaching double digits, depending on the alignment of these catalysts. There lies a real possibility of a major institutional influx, as ETFs would provide a more straightforward way for investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without needing to navigate traditional crypto exchanges. However, there remains a lurking risk; the SEC might choose to deny the ETF applications, a decision that would align with its historically cautious stance towards cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Additionally, external factors also play a role, including potential new constraints introduced by the proposed Responsible Financial Innovation Act. The act could yield clearer regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies but also includes compliance obligations that could influence XRP's cross-border payment capabilities. As the deadline approaches, investors should prepare for assorted outcomes that could either send XRP soaring to new heights or prompt a retreat in response to rejection. Overall, this October holds the promise of critical changes for XRP and the broader cryptocurrency market.