The world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with regulatory developments, political disclosures, and market movements shaping investor sentiment. This week’s most compelling stories highlight growing institutional interest in digital assets, potential breakthroughs in ETF approvals, and surprising volatility in meme coin markets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest crypto news you need to know.
Spot XRP ETF Could Be Approved This Year, Top Analyst Predicts
One of the most anticipated developments in the crypto space is the potential approval of a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). According to Nate Geraci, a well-known ETF analyst, 2025 could see the launch of a spot XRP ETF, joining the growing list of approved cryptocurrency-based financial products.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Geraci outlined his predictions for 10 crypto ETFs expected to gain regulatory approval this year. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have already made significant strides, Geraci believes XRP is next in line due to increasing clarity around its regulatory status following Ripple's ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ripple President Monica Long has also expressed confidence that XRP will be the next major cryptocurrency to receive the green light for a spot ETF. Several asset management firms—including WisdomTree, Bitwise, Canary Capital, and 21Shares—have already filed applications for XRP-based ETFs, all of which are currently under SEC review.
👉 Discover how ETF approvals could reshape crypto investment strategies in 2025.
It's worth noting that while giants like BlackRock have led the charge in Bitcoin ETFs, they have not yet announced plans to pursue ETFs for altcoins such as XRP or Solana. However, continued institutional interest and favorable court rulings may accelerate future filings.
Why XRP ETF Approval Matters
An approved spot ETF would allow traditional investors to gain exposure to XRP without directly holding the asset, potentially increasing liquidity and price stability. It could also signal broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as legitimate financial instruments within regulated markets.
Key factors influencing approval include:
- The outcome of Ripple’s litigation with the SEC
- Precedent set by Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF approvals
- Market demand and investor interest
If approved, the XRP ETF could open the floodgates for other altcoin-based financial products, further legitimizing the digital asset ecosystem.
U.S. Lawmakers Disclose Crypto Holdings: XRP, SOL, and BTC on the Radar
Transparency in political investments has taken center stage as more members of the U.S. Congress disclose their cryptocurrency holdings. Among them is Republican Congressman Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, who recently revealed purchases of XRP, Solana (SOL), and Bitcoin (BTC).
According to data from QuiverQuant, Reschenthaler invested between $1,000 and $15,000 across these three digital assets. His disclosure aligns with a growing trend among lawmakers seeking to understand and participate in the blockchain economy.
Other notable disclosures include:
- Mike Collins (R-GA): Purchased Ski Mask Dog (SKI), a lesser-known meme coin
- Barry Moore (R-AL): Reported significant crypto transactions
- Jeffrey Jackson (D-NC): Also disclosed active involvement in digital asset markets
These reports come under rules established by the House Ethics Committee in 2018, which require members to report any crypto holdings valued above $1,000—previously an unregulated blind spot in financial disclosures.
A Step Toward Crypto-Friendly Governance?
The increasing number of lawmakers investing in crypto reflects a shift toward greater familiarity with decentralized technologies. Perhaps most significantly, Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is set to lead a new Senate committee focused exclusively on digital assets. Known for her pro-bitcoin stance and advocacy for government Bitcoin adoption, Lummis’ leadership could influence future legislation and regulatory frameworks.
As political engagement with crypto deepens, public trust may grow—especially if transparency remains a priority. These disclosures not only reveal personal investment choices but also underscore the broader integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.
Shiba Inu Open Interest Jumps by $8.32 Billion in 24 Hours
In one of the most dramatic short-term market movements of early 2025, Shiba Inu (SHIB) saw its open interest (OI) surge by over 36% within 24 hours on January 10. According to CoinGlass, more than 8.34 trillion SHIB tokens, valued at approximately $181.45 million, were opened in derivative contracts during this period.
This spike coincided with a price rally above $0.0000211 before settling at $0.00002018—a 6.97% drop from peak levels but still indicative of strong market activity.
What Drove the Surge?
Several factors contributed to the sudden increase in trader interest:
- Massive token burn: Over 21.7 million SHIB tokens were permanently removed from circulation, reducing supply and potentially boosting scarcity.
- Exchange dominance: Gate.io led the OI data with over half of all open contracts, followed by Bitget and OKX.
- Market sentiment: As SHIB approached oversold conditions, technical analysts suggested a rebound was likely, attracting speculative traders.
👉 Learn how derivative trends can signal upcoming price moves in volatile altcoins.
Despite the pullback, analysts remain cautiously optimistic. With increased open interest often preceding volatility, SHIB could experience further price swings in either direction—making it a high-risk, high-reward asset for active traders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a spot XRP ETF?
A: A spot XRP ETF is an exchange-traded fund that directly holds XRP tokens rather than futures or derivatives. It allows investors to gain exposure to XRP’s price movements through traditional brokerage accounts.
Q: Why are congressional crypto disclosures important?
A: These disclosures promote transparency and help prevent conflicts of interest. They also reflect how seriously policymakers are taking digital assets as part of the financial landscape.
Q: What does rising open interest mean for SHIB?
A: Increasing open interest suggests growing trader participation in SHIB derivatives. While it can indicate bullish momentum, it may also lead to heightened volatility.
Q: Is Shiba Inu a good investment right now?
A: SHIB remains highly speculative. While recent activity shows renewed interest, investors should carefully assess risk tolerance and conduct thorough research before investing.
Q: Which companies have applied for an XRP ETF?
A: Firms including WisdomTree, Bitwise, Canary Capital, and 21Shares have submitted applications. All are awaiting final SEC decisions.
Q: Could other altcoins get ETFs after XRP?
A: If XRP receives approval, it could pave the way for ETFs based on Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), or Polkadot (DOT), depending on regulatory clarity and market demand.
Final Thoughts: Crypto Enters a New Era of Maturity
The convergence of regulatory progress, political engagement, and market dynamics signals that cryptocurrencies are transitioning from fringe assets to mainstream financial instruments. Whether it’s through ETF approvals, government transparency, or trader-driven volatility, each development adds depth to the evolving digital economy.
As institutional infrastructure strengthens and public figures embrace blockchain technology, staying informed becomes more critical than ever.
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With XRP on the verge of a historic ETF milestone, lawmakers revealing their digital portfolios, and meme coins like Shiba Inu capturing trader attention, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for crypto.