XRP Futures ETF Debuts as Whales Sell 60M Tokens — What’s Next for XRP?

• Volatility Shares launches first 1x XRP futures ETF on May 22, boosting market interest.
• Over 60 million XRP sold by whales in 72 hours, signaling major portfolio moves.
• CME recently introduced XRP and Micro XRP futures, boosting institutional access to XRP.

Volatility Shares is preparing to launch the industry’s first XRP futures ETF on May 22. Trading under the ticker XRPI, the product will mainly invest in XRP futures contracts. This is a significant moment for XRP, since it allows investors to access XRP through regulated investments rather than holding the token directly.

The launch occurred after XRP futures were introduced on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). The launch of XRP derivatives on CME reflected the rising need among institutions for regulated XRP products. 

Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas has pointed out that the Volatility Shares ETF is the first of its kind in the crypto market, unlike the current 2x leveraged XRP ETFs. He foresees that the new fund will attract investors and thus encourage more adoption of XRP futures.

Whales Sell Over 60 Million XRP Amid Market Activity

In contrast to the ETF’s enthusiasm, XRP whales have sold over 60 million XRP tokens within the past 72 hours, according to crypto analyst Ali. The size of these sales has sparked doubts about the motives behind the liquidation. Experts note that this whale activity is typically part of an investor’s portfolio management, not a signal of bearish sentiment. 

The XRP price ranged between $2.35 and $2.55 during the market slump, evidence that buyers have absorbed the selling pressure. The token’s resilience might demonstrate steady demand and liquidity in the XRP market.

Additionally, CryptoQuant metrics from May 22 show a significant net inflow of approximately 440,000 XRP to centralized exchanges, accompanied by multiple whale inflow spikes. This pattern reflects growing selling on the exchange, most likely because of profit-taking after XRP reached about $2.41. This behavior contrasts with prior accumulation phases, suggesting a shift from holding to distribution.

Institutional Developments and Regulatory Outlook Shape XRP’s Path

XRP is expected to recover well regardless of the conflicting trends. Ripple is still in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with recent rulings helping clarify the token’s regulatory status. Moreover, Ripple’s growth in international payment networks helps build a long-term use for XRP.

Related: XRP Price Prediction for May 23: Can Bulls Break Free From the $2.42 Wall?

Market participants also anticipate that the SEC will approve a spot XRP ETF by 2025. As more investors and institutions show interest, the launch of futures ETFs could help the SEC approve them. Furthermore, optimism about crypto ETF approvals has grown with the SEC’s support for digital assets, led by the new SEC chair, Paul Atkins. This regulatory change may make it easier for XRP to be accepted as a good investment.