XRP ETF Approval Prospects Brighten as Government Shutdown Nears Resolution

The prolonged U.S. government shutdown, now entering its fourth week, appears to be approaching a resolution that could significantly accelerate the approval timeline for XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Kevin Hassett, a key advisor to President Trump, has expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough this week, noting possible cooperation from moderate Democrats that could break the political impasse. This development carries substantial implications for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for XRP investors and the broader digital asset ecosystem. The cessation of government operations has effectively stalled the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) review process for multiple XRP ETF applications from major financial institutions including Grayscale, Bitwise, CoinShares, and WisdomTree. These applications represent crucial infrastructure developments that would provide traditional investors with regulated exposure to XRP through conventional investment vehicles. The resumption of SEC operations would immediately reactivate the review pipeline, potentially fast-tracking decisions that have been in regulatory limbo. Market analysts interpret this potential government reopening as a bullish signal for XRP, as ETF approvals typically correlate with increased institutional participation and liquidity. The current shutdown has created pent-up demand and delayed what many consider inevitable regulatory progress for cryptocurrency investment products. Industry observers note that the SEC's backlog of digital asset applications has been growing during the shutdown period, suggesting that once operations resume, the commission may prioritize clearing this accumulation. The timing of this development coincides with growing institutional interest in XRP as both a payment solution and investment asset. Major financial players have been positioning themselves for broader cryptocurrency adoption, with ETF approvals serving as a critical validation point. The resolution of the government shutdown would not only unlock the SEC's review capabilities but also demonstrate political stability that could encourage further institutional investment in the digital asset space. As the situation evolves, market participants are closely monitoring congressional negotiations and SEC communications for confirmation of the shutdown's end and subsequent regulatory timelines. The potential approval of XRP ETFs represents a watershed moment for cryptocurrency mainstream adoption, potentially opening floodgates for billions in institutional capital seeking regulated exposure to digital assets through traditional financial channels.

XRP ETF Approval Timeline May Advance as Shutdown Nears End

The U.S. government shutdown, now in its fourth week, could soon conclude, potentially unlocking progress for delayed XRP ETF approvals. Kevin Hassett, an advisor to President Trump, signaled Optimism about a resolution this week, citing potential cooperation from moderate Democrats. A reopening would allow the SEC to resume reviewing pending applications from Grayscale, Bitwise, CoinShares, and WisdomTree.

Market analysts interpret a possible shutdown deal as bullish for crypto assets, with the SEC expected to prioritize XRP ETF decisions upon resuming operations. The agency's stalled reviews have left the market in limbo, but a closed-door roundtable on October 22 between crypto firms and U.S. Senators could further catalyze momentum.

XRP Defies Bearish Sentiment with 76% Rebound to $2.50

XRP staged a dramatic recovery from its October 10 low of $1.327, surging 76% to reclaim $2.50 within days. The rally occurred amid extreme negative sentiment, with Santiment recording the worst crowd mood since January. Retail traders capitulated en masse—flooding social media with bearish commentary and selling at losses—while large holders remained conspicuously inactive.

Market dynamics followed a classic contrarian pattern. As fear peaked during the October 10 market crash, XRP found its footing and began an aggressive ascent. The token's ability to defy retail expectations highlights the recurring disconnect between crowd psychology and price action in crypto markets.

Analysts maintain bullish targets despite short-term volatility. The swift recovery from $1.90 to $2.50 suggests underlying strength, with some observers pointing to potential new highs. XRP's performance mirrors broader market resilience, where assets frequently rally when pessimism reaches extremes.

Ripple CTO Clarifies Advisory Role in Evernorth's XRP Treasury Venture

David Schwartz, Ripple's Chief Technology Officer, has dispelled speculation about his involvement with Evernorth, a new venture aiming to establish a $1 billion XRP treasury through a Nasdaq listing. Schwartz confirmed he will serve only as a short-term advisor, with no commitments extending beyond 2025. "I'm not engaging in full-time work with the firm," he stated, emphasizing his continued role on Ripple's board of directors.

The clarification follows Evernorth's public announcement, which had initially suggested deeper involvement from the Ripple executive. Schwartz had previously signaled plans to reduce professional responsibilities after stepping back from his CTO position. The XRP community reacted with surprise to his name being linked to the new project, highlighting the sensitivity around high-profile figures in cryptocurrency ventures.

Evernorth's ambitious fundraising target underscores growing institutional interest in XRP-based financial products. The planned Nasdaq listing represents a significant milestone for cryptocurrency ventures seeking traditional market validation. Schwartz's limited advisory role maintains his connection to the project while preserving his broader commitments to Ripple's ecosystem.

Fed’s Proposed ‘Skinny Master Account’ Could Reshape Crypto Payments Landscape, Spotlight on Ripple

Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller unveiled a groundbreaking proposal for a "limited-access" master account during the Payments Innovation Conference on October 21, 2025. This "skinny" account WOULD grant eligible institutions—including crypto payment firms and stablecoin issuers—direct access to Fed payment rails, bypassing traditional banking intermediaries.

The MOVE addresses a long-standing hurdle for digital asset companies like Custodia Bank, Kraken, and Circle, which have faced operational challenges due to restricted banking access. While skinny accounts wouldn’t permit borrowing from the Fed or interest-earning capabilities, they promise faster, cheaper transactions—a potential game-changer for payment-focused cryptocurrencies such as XRP.

Market observers suggest Ripple could emerge as a primary beneficiary given its existing cross-border payment infrastructure. The proposal signals growing institutional recognition of crypto’s role in modern finance, though final implementation details remain pending.

Ripple Price Prediction As Whales Accumulate 30 Million XRP in 24 Hours

XRP surged above $2.50, marking a 2% daily gain as on-chain data revealed whales accumulated over 30 million tokens. The move signals growing confidence among large holders, often a precursor to sustained bullish momentum.

Technical indicators paint a mixed picture. Weekly charts suggest consolidation NEAR $2.30-$2.40, while shorter timeframes show bullish divergence. The $2.60 resistance level remains key—a breakout could trigger further upside.

Ripple's expanding institutional footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships adds fundamental support. The GTreasury deal and payment provider collaborations position XRP for increased adoption in global finance corridors.

XRP Holders Alerted After $3M Loss Tied to Ellipal Wallet Setup

A crypto educator has issued a stark warning to XRP investors following a reported $3 million loss tied to improper wallet configuration. The incident occurred when a user imported a recovery seed into the Ellipal mobile app, effectively converting a cold storage wallet into an internet-connected hot wallet.

Ellipal maintains its device remained air-gapped and wasn't the breach point, but the case has ignited fresh debates about wallet security practices. XRP community figure James Rule amplified concerns by highlighting the Ellipal app's interface options, specifically warning against creating hot wallets with seed phrases in mobile applications.

The crypto community is scrutinizing the boundaries between cold and hot wallet security as this high-profile loss circulates through forums and security channels. Security experts reiterate the cardinal rule: recovery seeds must remain strictly offline and never enter internet-connected environments.