
- Record trading volumes of XRP futures on CME in July 2025.
- Institutional interest sparked by ETF approval optimism.
- Growing demand for regulated crypto derivatives.
In July 2025, CME’s XRP futures achieved record trading volumes, driven by institutional interest and enthusiasm around potential ETF approval.

This milestone underscores growing regulated crypto exposure demand, likely influencing XRP market dynamics and institutional investor strategies.
XRP futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange reached unprecedented trading volumes in July. The surge was driven by institutional interest and optimism about possible XRP ETF approval. These developments offer new avenues for regulated crypto exposure.
The CME Group facilitates these trades, offering standard and micro XRP contracts. Ripple, behind the currency XRP, is seeking banking licenses, showing their institutional ambitions. Despite these actions, Ripple’s top executives have not made official statements.
CME’s announcement indicates significant market interest, with a trading peak of $235 million in one day. By July’s end, the notional value of contracts exceeded $775 million, highlighting growing confidence in regulated crypto markets.
Such volumes align with trends in other crypto derivatives like Bitcoin and Ether futures. These assets also saw record activity, suggesting institutional investors’ increasing preference for USD-settled, regulated markets over direct crypto holdings.
The potential approval of an XRP ETF remains a key market catalyst. If realized, it could revolutionize institutional access to cryptocurrencies. Ripple’s regulatory strides highlight a strategic push towards greater industry integration.
“The record underscores the rapidly growing demand in our new XRP futures suite” – CME Group.
Historical data shows that anticipation around regulated products, such as Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, often precedes increased market activity. Prospective XRP ETF approval could tightly integrate XRP into US financial systems, boosting liquidity and volatility in crypto markets.