The cryptocurrency market is actively discussing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) latest acknowledgment of XRP-related Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

While some believe this signals XRP’s classification as a commodity, the SEC has not made an official statement confirming its status. The uncertainty has fueled speculation among investors and analysts.

Has US SEC Labelled XRP As Commodity?

On 12th February 2025, the US SEC acknowledged multiple applications for ETFs based on various cryptocurrencies, including XRP (from Grayscale and 21Shares). This acknowledgment aligns XRP with Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are widely viewed as commodities. However, the SEC did not explicitly confirm whether XRP itself falls under the same category.

Eleanor Terrett, a crypto journalist, noted in an X post that the US SEC is currently reviewing several digital asset ETFs, including those tied to XRP, Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE). She stated,

“They have acknowledged that issuers are applying for a product that classifies XRP as a commodity asset within a securities wrapper.” While this suggests a shift in regulatory stance, the SEC has yet to provide final clarity. Ealier this week, legal expert Jeremy Hogan clarified that the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit is very unlikely to affect the XRP ETF approval procedure.

Ripple’s Lawsuit and Court Ruling on XRP

Ripple Labs has been engaged in a long-standing legal dispute with the SEC over whether XRP should be classified as a security. In a key ruling, a U.S. judge determined that XRP was not a security in secondary market transactions.

However, the court also ruled that Ripple’s direct institutional sales of XRP were unregistered securities offerings.

The SEC has paused further litigation as its crypto task force continues to evaluate the regulatory framework for digital assets. Legal experts suggest that an appeal remains a possibility, which could extend the uncertainty around XRP’s classification for years. Some analysts argue that if different courts reach varying conclusions, the case may eventually be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

XRP Market Reaction and Trading Activity

Following the SEC’s acknowledgment of XRP ETFs, XRP’s trading volume surged by 30% within the first hour of the announcement. On-chain data revealed a 29% increase in active addresses interacting with the XRP ledger. Major exchanges, including Binance and Coinbase, recorded heightened trading activity.

XRP’s price also experienced a sharp increase, reaching $2.84 on 15th February 2025, a 22% rise over five consecutive trading days.

Analysts suggest that if XRP maintains momentum and surpasses the $2.80 resistance level, it could move toward $3.00 or higher. However, if selling pressure increases, the price may consolidate between $2.60 and $2.80. However, should the bull run persists and breasches the $3.40 resistance, according to analysts Egrag crypto, XRP price may tests new all time highs of $15 to $17.

Crypto Community Awaits Regulatory Certainty

The ongoing debate over XRP’s classification has led to mixed reactions within the crypto community. Some believe that the SEC’s acknowledgment of XRP ETFs suggests a step toward recognizing it as a commodity, while others argue that the lack of explicit confirmation leaves room for further regulatory scrutiny.

Subsequently, the US SEC’s approach to XRP may also impact ongoing cases against major crypto exchanges, such as Binance and Coinbase, whose cases have already been paused by the crypto taskforce for 60 and 28 days respectively.

These exchanges have faced regulatory challenges for allegedly offering unregistered securities. If XRP is formally classified as a commodity, it could influence how similar assets are regulated in the future and ultimately push XRP price above $110.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.