XRP ETF Delay Highlights Ripple’s Rising Institutional Appeal

The XRP ETF backed by financial powerhouse Franklin Templeton is once again in the spotlight as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decides to prolong its review. Known for managing assets worth over $1.4 trillion, Franklin Templeton initially submitted a filing for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in early March. Originally scheduled for decision by May 3, the verdict has now been postponed to late July, with the SEC requesting additional public feedback before taking concrete steps.

Despite this delay, insiders and market watchers interpret the extension not as a rejection but more as a signal that the SEC is conducting its due diligence. Rather than halting the process, this move highlights increasing institutional interest in digital assets like XRP. The XRP ETF, if approved, would offer mainstream investors a regulated entry point into XRP—which is often seen as one of the more enterprise-focused cryptocurrencies in the market.

Franklin Templeton isn’t the only company with eyes on an XRP-based ETF. Other major firms such as Bitwise and 21Shares have also lined up their filings for similar offerings. The momentum building around a potential XRP ETF suggests broader recognition of Ripple’s ecosystem within traditional financial circles. According to prediction markets like Polymarket, public sentiment remains optimistic, with many betting on eventual approval before the year ends.

Meanwhile, beyond U.S. borders, major banking institutions are eyeing the crypto space with increased seriousness. In a bold strategic move, BBVA, one of Spain’s largest banks and among the most influential in the broader European Union region, has publicly supported cryptocurrency investments for its private clients. The bank now recommends that wealthy individuals allocate between 3% to 7% of their portfolios to cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum, depending on their risk profile.

Philippe Meyer, who heads the digital and blockchain departments at BBVA Switzerland, revealed that this advisory initiative has been ongoing since September of the previous year. By actively promoting crypto investment rather than passively allowing it, BBVA has positioned itself as a front-runner among traditional financial institutions embracing digital assets. With over $700 billion in assets under management and a client base of 80 million people globally, BBVA’s involvement brings added legitimacy to the evolving crypto sector.

As institutions continue dipping their toes into the crypto pool, U.S.-based exchange Coinbase has also made headlines by introducing a new Ethereum-based token into its trading ecosystem. The token, named Spark (SPK), has been made available across web, iOS, and Android platforms under Coinbase’s “Experimental” label. This indicates that the asset is in the early stages of adoption but has passed initial review thresholds for listing.

In addition to SPK, Coinbase has broadened support for other Ethereum-compatible assets this month, including PancakeSwap (CAKE), Lagrange (LA), and Ethena (ENA). Notably, SPK’s integration extends beyond spot listings. Coinbase is now offering perpetual futures trading for the Spark token through its International Exchange and Coinbase Advanced platforms as of June 19, 2025. This expansion reinforces the trend of integrating sophisticated financial tools for digital assets, further narrowing the gap between traditional markets and crypto products.

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

All these developments—whether it’s the growing noise around Ripple’s XRP ETF, the increasing crypto endorsement by major global banks like BBVA, or Coinbase’s persistent integration of Ethereum-based assets—suggest one key takeaway: institutional adoption is no longer theoretical. It’s happening across sectors, borders, and product classes. And XRP, with its unique blend of enterprise utility and legal clarity, seems primed to benefit substantially in this emerging phase of institutional engagement.