TLDR
XRP’s market depth is a key factor in its growing prospects for ETF approval, ensuring smoother trades and reducing volatility.
Paul Atkins’ leadership as the new SEC Chair has raised expectations for a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.
Ripple’s $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road adds institutional depth, enhancing XRP’s appeal for large-scale investment products.
The SEC is set to review six spot XRP ETF applications between October 18 and 25, including Grayscale’s highly anticipated filing.
XRP ETF approval could significantly boost liquidity and stabilize prices, benefiting both institutional and retail investors.
The race for crypto ETFs is intensifying, with XRP once again at the forefront. Paul Atkins recently took over as the new Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His leadership is fueling expectations for a more crypto-friendly regulatory approach, boosting hopes for the approval of an XRP ETF.
Market Depth Strengthens XRP’s ETF Case
XRP’s market depth is a key factor in its growing prospects for an ETF. Unlike volume, market depth measures how much can be traded without affecting the price. Analyst WrathofKahneman explained,
“Market depth is more critical than volume for ETF approval, as it ensures stability during large trades.”
Why ETFs?
Volume is what has been traded.
Depth is what can be traded without moving the price. For #XRP to be used at scale, depth is more important than volume. Commonly measured at 1% depth, this April report by Kaiko Market Explorer is encouraging. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/BVHmuQfNoS— WrathofKahneman (@WKahneman) October 13, 2025
A Kaiko report from April highlighted that XRP leads with 1% market depth among major exchanges. This deep liquidity is a significant advantage, ensuring smoother trades and reducing volatility. The deeper liquidity could also pave the way for spot XRP ETFs, further boosting its chances for approval.
Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road for $1.25 billion adds to XRP’s institutional appeal. The deal strengthens XRP’s position in the digital asset market. This acquisition is expected to make XRP more attractive for large-scale investment products, including spot XRP ETFs.
Six Spot XRP ETF Applications to Be Reviewed
Between October 18 and 25, the SEC will review six spot XRP ETF applications. Among them is Grayscale’s ETF, with a decision expected this week. The SEC’s rulings on these filings could significantly impact XRP’s regulatory outlook.
Other filings include those from 21Shares, Bitwise, WisdomTree, CoinShares, and Canary Capital. These ETF applications reflect growing institutional interest in XRP as a key crypto asset. As these rulings approach, the market is watching closely for signs of regulatory progress.

If approved, the XRP ETF could become a crucial product for both institutional and retail investors. The potential for spot XRP ETFs to increase liquidity and stabilize prices remains a key focus for the cryptocurrency market.