Big news in crypto—XRP is now trading on Wall Street. On May 19th, 2025, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) launched XRP futures contracts. That means big institutions and traders can now bet on XRP prices through a fully regulated U.S. exchange.
This is a big win for Ripple, the company behind XRP. It’s also a huge step toward making XRP more mainstream.
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What Are XRP Futures?
To explain in simple terms;
There are now two types of XRP futures on CME:
A standard contract for 50,000 XRP
A micro contract for 2,500 XRP
Both are cash-settled in U.S. dollars, so you don’t need to actually own XRP to trade them. These contracts use a reliable price reference, giving traders a clear and secure way to invest.
For the first time, XRP has landed in a space once reserved for major assets like gold, crude oil, and major stocks. It’s a big deal—because when Wall Street joins the party, it usually brings a lot of money with it.
Could This Make Way for XRP ETF?
Some experts think so. After all, Bitcoin and Ethereum both got futures first… and then ETFs.
Nate Geraci, president of the ETF Store, said it best:
“CME-traded XRP futures are now live. Spot XRP ETFs are only a matter of time.”
But before that can happen, one big problem needs to be solved.
Ripple vs. SEC: The Fight Isn’t Over Yet
Ripple is still in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A recent court ruling kept Ripple from selling XRP to big investors and hit them with a $125 million fine.
The main debate: Is XRP a security or not?
Until that’s answered, it’s hard to say if an XRP ETF will get approved.
Ripple is expected to submit a new settlement offer soon, which could help clear things up.
While the U.S. Waits, Ripple is Growing in Dubai
While Ripple deals with the SEC in America, it’s making big moves elsewhere, especially in the Middle East.
Ripple recently got a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). That opens the door for collaborations with banks and companies from the fintech industry, like Zand Bank and Mamo.
Dubai is a global payments hub, and Ripple wants to be a major player there.
XRP Price Struggles
XRP is currently trading at $2.30, down slightly in the past 24 hours. Analysts say it’s stuck between support at $2.29 and resistance at $2.47.
On top of that, rising U.S. Treasury yields and Moody’s credit downgrade have made markets more nervous.
The short-term XRP charts show signs of sell cycle. But the long-term outlook? Still positive. Ripple is growing, XRP is getting more exposure, and some analysts believe there's an 83% chance of an XRP spot ETF being approved by the end of the year.
One More Thing: Ripple Might Buy Circle
Here’s something unofficial but interesting occurring in the market—Ripple is reportedly in talks to acquire Circle, the company behind the stablecoin USDC.
If this deal happens, it would be huge. Ripple could combine its global payment tools with one of the biggest stablecoins in the world. That would put it in a whole new league.
Final Thought
From launching futures in the U.S. to expanding in Dubai—and possibly buying Circle—Ripple is moving fast.
