XRP could see price momentum build in the coming weeks, according to crypto strategist Zach Rector, due to a recent SEC announcement related to pending XRP ETFs.

SEC Postpones XRP ETF Decisions Until October 2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has recently delayed its final ruling on several prominent XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) proposals. These include the Grayscale XRP Trust, CoinShares XRP ETF, and 21Shares Core XRP ETF. The regulator now plans to issue final decisions by late October 2025.

This update has sparked new optimism among investors that are holding XRP around the $3 mark. The extension aligns with the typical market behavior of rallying on speculative news—a trend often labeled as “buy the rumor, sell the news.”

Anticipation May Fuel Short-Term Buying Activity

In reaction to the SEC’s decision, crypto commentator Zach Rector suggested that the anticipation of ETF approval could generate gradual upward pressure on XRP’s price. He predicted that this investor enthusiasm might persist right up to the approval window.

Rector believes investors could begin positioning early, creating sustained demand for the token. However, he cautions that a potential pullback might follow once the official announcement is made, mirroring prior ETF-driven market behaviors.

This pattern already played out earlier with Bitcoin. In late 2023, expectations were high for BTC spot ETF approval by January 2024, despite the SEC’s reluctance back then. Once approved, Bitcoin’s price momentarily dropped before roaring to new all-time highs within three months. The jump was largely propelled by record-breaking inflows into the new investment vehicles.

Historical Context Suggests XRP Could See Similar Gains

According to Rector, XRP could follow a similar path once ETFs start trading. He envisions that new inflows into these ETFs might push XRP beyond double-digit valuations.

Predictions from other industry voices support this outlook. Canary Capital’s CEO Steven McClurg estimated as much as $5 billion could enter XRP ETFs within the first month. Similarly, JPMorgan analysts project up to $8 billion in inflows across the first year.

Applying various market multipliers, some analysts believe this could lift XRP as high as $26. While speculative, the forecast reaffirms the significance of liquidity from institutional-grade products like ETFs.

Investor anticipation for XRP ETFs could spark significant crypto market movement.

Ripple Eyes Regulatory Milestone Beyond ETFs

ETF approvals aren’t the only catalyst expected this fall. Ripple Labs is also awaiting word on its application for a national banking charter from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Submitted in July 2025, a final decision could also arrive by late October if it follows the OCC’s standard review timeline.

This means both Ripple as a company and its native token XRP may experience regulatory breakthroughs within the same timeframe. As noted in projections like these forecasts, investors believe these events, combined, could significantly influence XRP’s long-term trajectory.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

While October remains months away, bullish sentiment appears to be building already. Whether this translates to higher trade volumes or sustained gains remains to be seen, but once again, regulatory events are shaping the crypto investment narrative.