XRP Awaits SEC Verdict Amid ETF Delays

The ongoing developments surrounding XRP and other digital assets highlight the growing tension between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the crypto industry, particularly as ETF approvals remain elusive. With recent delays in Solana and Litecoin ETF reviews, all eyes are now on XRP as its own ETF fate nears a crucial deadline.

On May 13, 2025, the SEC officially postponed its decision on the Solana spot ETF initially proposed by Grayscale. The regulator has now set the new review date for October 2025, according to official filings. This delay echoed a previous decision just a week earlier, when the Litecoin ETF proposal submitted by Canary Capital was also pushed back without a final ruling. Market analysts view these continuous delays as part of a broader trend of regulatory hesitation regarding altcoin-based ETFs.

Despite the lack of surprise surrounding these postponements, the market has responded with increased speculation. Spot-based crypto ETFs are widely seen as essential gateways for institutional investors, and delays in their approval can greatly influence market dynamics. As an example, Bitcoin ETFs accounted for approximately 75% of new capital inflows upon their launch, helping to drive Bitcoin above $50,000 earlier in 2024.

Current sentiment holds that similar ETF launches for altcoins like Solana and Litecoin could bring in billions in institutional funds—albeit likely in smaller volumes than Bitcoin. Ryan Lee of Bitget Research suggested that a Solana ETF alone would act as a major regulated investment vehicle capable of drawing substantial interest. Moreover, data from prediction platform Polymarket places the likelihood of approval for a Solana ETF by the end of 2025 at 82%, with an 80% probability for Litecoin.

While Solana and Litecoin ETFs are caught in decision limbo, XRP is among several major digital assets awaiting potentially game-changing SEC rulings. The regulatory body is scheduled to review the Franklin Templeton XRP ETF application on June 17, 2025. This follows reviews for Polkadot-based ETFs on June 11 and June 24, as well as the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF, also targeted for a June decision.

However, these timelines are merely statutory markers. The SEC has up to 240 days to render a final verdict on ETF proposals and has routinely exercised this full window. This pattern of delays has become a hallmark of the agency’s regulatory approach, creating a climate of uncertainty. Rather than issuing explicit rejections, the SEC often opts for deferrals, leaving the market in a prolonged state of suspense.

This uncertainty particularly affects XRP, as it tries to re-establish its standing following past legal disputes involving regulatory classification. A positive ruling for the XRP ETF could potentially revitalize institutional confidence and bring new attention to Ripple’s ecosystem. In contrast, another delay may prolong XRP’s struggle for mainstream investment exposure.

The broader implications are equally significant. If the SEC moves forward with approvals by the June deadlines, it could inject a wave of fresh capital into XRP and other altcoins via ETF investments. On the other hand, continued postponements might suppress institutional interest further and potentially derail short-term adoption strategies reliant on regulatory greenlights.

Ultimately, June 2025 stands as a pivotal month not only for XRP but also for the wider altcoin market. Market stakeholders are closely watching the agency’s next steps, eager for clarity in a space where timing and regulation increasingly shape the investment landscape.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused