SEC Delays Decision on 21Shares XRP ETF—Approval Still Possible This Year

In Brief:

The SEC has postponed its decision on 21Shares’ proposed spot XRP ETF, a common step in the approval process.

Bloomberg analysts say approval could come by year-end, with June still in play as an early possibility.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a delay notice on 21Shares' application to launch a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). While some investors may be concerned, experts emphasize this is standard procedure as part of the agency's 240-day review window.

The initial filing was submitted on March 11, and this delay—issued roughly 70 days later—falls well within expected timing. The SEC uses this period to collect public comments, assess data, and weigh market impact before issuing a final decision.

Earlier in 2024, the SEC also delayed decisions on XRP ETF filings from Franklin Templeton and Bitwise, following a similar pattern seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, both of which were eventually approved.

Although the SEC has yet to approve any altcoin ETFs, momentum is building. According to Bloomberg analysts, XRP spot ETFs could be approved by the end of the year, with a potential early greenlight in June if regulatory conditions align.

The XRP community continues to monitor these developments closely, as an ETF approval could mark a significant milestone in mainstream adoption and institutional access to XRP.

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