XRP was the most traded asset on South Korea’s Upbit exchange over the past week, bringing in $110 million in 24-hour volume and surpassing both Bitcoin and Ethereum. This surge came as US XRP exchange-traded funds saw their biggest inflows in four months, while Bitcoin and Ethereum funds experienced outflows.
Related Reading: XRP Bulls Gain Momentum As ETF Inflows Reach Multi-Month High
CME and NASDAQ Signal Growing Institutional Interest
CME Group and NASDAQ announced they will launch crypto index futures on June 8, covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Lumens in a single contract. This move highlights the growing institutional infrastructure being built around regulated digital assets. XRP itself rose 4% in 24 hours to nearly $1.5, while Bitcoin traded at $81,450 and Ethereum at $2,287. The price action followed Thursday’s markup vote on the CLARITY Act, a proposed federal law that is boosting optimism around payment-focused cryptocurrencies.
XRP wasn’t alone. Stellar Lumens, Cardano, and Hedera all posted gains that outperformed Bitcoin on the day. Reports suggest these tokens share a common focus—they’re all built around payments, settlement, and tokenization.
What the CLARITY Act Would Do
If passed, the bill would make a federal court ruling permanent, stating that XRP sales on secondary markets do not count as securities. That ruling had been stuck in legal uncertainty for a while. Turning it into permanent federal law would remove the regulatory cloud that has hung over XRP for years. The legislation also includes a provision—Section 401—that would allow US banks to use digital assets for payments, custody, and settlement without needing prior regulatory approval. For Ripple, which runs the XRP network and issues the RLUSD dollar-backed stablecoin, this opens a direct path into the American banking system.
A Broader Reset for Payment Chains
Stellar Lumens, Cardano, and Hedera are riding the same wave. Based on reports, traders are treating all four as part of a single category—networks built for institutional payments—and pricing them accordingly. When the regulatory picture changes for one, it changes for all.
Related Reading: Bitcoin Faces Major Test As 37% Recovery Collides With Bear Resistance
Market Pricing In a New Era
Data shows capital moving into assets seen as ready for a regulated environment where banks can plug digital infrastructure directly into existing payment systems. The CLARITY Act hasn’t passed yet, but the markup vote was enough to move markets. Traders aren’t waiting for the final vote to place their bets.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about XRP leading a crypto rally due to expectations of a shift in US regulations
Beginner Questions
1 What is XRP
XRP is a digital currency created by the company Ripple Its designed to make international money transfers faster and cheaper than traditional bank systems
2 Why is XRPs price going up so much right now
The main reason is that traders expect the US government to change its rules on cryptocurrency Specifically theres hope that the SEC will drop its longrunning lawsuit against Ripple which would be a huge win for XRP
3 What is the SEC lawsuit against Ripple
The SEC sued Ripple in 2020 claiming that XRP was an unregistered security Ripple argued it was a currency A recent court ruling partially sided with Ripple and many believe a new more cryptofriendly administration could end the case entirely
4 Is XRP a good investment right now
That depends on your risk tolerance The rally is driven by speculation about regulations If the rules change in XRPs favor the price could go higher If they dont it could drop sharply Its a highrisk bet
5 How is XRP different from Bitcoin or Ethereum
Bitcoin is digital gold and Ethereum is a platform for apps XRP is primarily a payment system for banks and financial institutions Its faster and uses much less energy than Bitcoin
Intermediate Advanced Questions
6 What specific shift in US regulations are traders betting on
Traders are betting on several things
The SEC dropping its appeal in the Ripple case
Congress passing a clear crypto regulatory framework
The new administration appointing a procrypto SEC chair who will stop regulation by enforcement
7 How does the Ripple Effect impact the current rally
In July 2023 a judge ruled that XRP sales on public exchanges were