Coinbase Derivatives has introduced CFTC-regulated futures contracts for XRP, expanding options available under U.S. regulatory oversight and fueling speculation about the potential approval of a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). Similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum, XRP’s path toward an ETF is likely tied to the development of a regulated futures market. Historically, this has been a prerequisite for SEC approval in the U.S., with other crypto derivatives paving the way for spot ETFs. This new offering allows institutions greater confidence and security compared to offshore exchanges previously used for these products. The move comes at a time when 72 crypto-related ETF applications are awaiting review by the SEC, including those featuring XRP and Solana as potential holdings.