XRP News: Bitwise Files Amended S-1 for Spot XRP ETF as SEC Deadline Nears

Bitwise's updated spot XRP ETF filing signals accelerating institutional interest, with European investors eyeing MiCA-compliant exposure amid rising XRP price momentum.

Bitwise Asset Management submitted an amended S-1 filing to the U.S. SEC for its proposed spot XRP exchange-traded fund on March 13, 2026, intensifying speculation around one of the first U.S.-listed XRP ETFs. The update addresses prior SEC feedback on custody arrangements and market surveillance, positioning the product for potential approval by mid-2026.

As of: March 14, 2026

Dr. Elena Voss, Senior Crypto Markets Analyst. Tracking regulatory catalysts shaping XRP adoption in Europe and beyond.

What Changed in the Filing

The amended prospectus details Coinbase Custody Trust as the primary custodian for XRP holdings, with enhanced descriptions of the XRP Ledger's decentralized validation mechanisms. Bitwise emphasized direct purchases from regulated exchanges like Bitstamp and Kraken, avoiding over-the-counter desks to mitigate counterparty risks. This follows the initial filing in late February, where the SEC requested more transparency on XRP's non-security status post-Ripple Labs' legal victory.

Why It Matters Now

Timing aligns with the SEC's 240-day review clock ticking toward July 2026, overlapping with Grayscale's parallel XRP ETF application. Recent XRP price action, up 8% in the last 24 hours to around $1.85 as of March 14, reflects market anticipation. Approval would unlock billions in institutional capital, similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, directly boosting XRP liquidity and price discovery.

XRP Price Context and Market Sentiment

XRP latest price hovers at $1.85, with 24-hour trading volume exceeding $4.2 billion across major exchanges. The Bitwise news catalyzed a 12% weekly gain, outpacing Bitcoin's 3% rise. On-chain data shows whale accumulation, with addresses holding over 1 million XRP adding 15 million tokens in the past week. Sentiment indices on platforms like LunarCrush rate XRP bullish at 78/100, driven by ETF hype and Ripple's ODL volume growth.

European and DACH Investor Angle

For English-speaking investors in Europe, particularly DACH markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), this U.S. development amplifies MiCA-compliant opportunities. BaFin-regulated platforms like Bitpanda and Swiss Börse already offer XRP ETPs, but a U.S. spot ETF would provide indirect exposure via diversified portfolios. Post-MiCA implementation, ECB stress tests on crypto assets highlight XRP's utility in cross-border payments, appealing to conservative DACH investors seeking regulated yield vehicles. Swissquote analysts note potential inflows of €500 million into XRP products if U.S. approval occurs.

Ripple Company Relevance to XRP Holders

Ripple Labs, distinct from XRP the asset, supports this indirectly through its escrow releases and partnerships. Recent RippleNet expansions in APAC processed $30 billion in Q1 2026 volume, 40% via XRP. However, ETF approval hinges on XRP's standalone merits, not Ripple's operations. Holders benefit from unlocked TradFi access without relying on Ripple's balance sheet.

Regulatory Catalysts and Risks

SEC's greenlight depends on sustained market surveillance sharing with Nasdaq. Parallel EU developments under MiFID II could fast-track XRP ETP listings on Deutsche Börse. Risks include delayed approval amid U.S. election cycles or renewed SEC scrutiny. Volatility remains high; XRP dropped 15% on similar hype in 2025 before rebounding.

Exchange and Adoption Implications

Major U.S. exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini have signaled readiness to list spot XRP ETFs. In Europe, Kraken EU and Bitstamp report 25% YTD growth in XRP trading pairs. Cross-border payment volumes via Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity hit record highs, underscoring XRP's utility beyond speculation.

Disclaimer: Not investment advice. XRP and other cryptocurrencies are volatile financial instruments.