What happens when a digital asset suddenly captures the spotlight in both the U.S. and South Korea? In April 2025, XRP became that star performer, thanks to Coinbase’s launch of regulated XRP futures. This was a game changer.
In April 2025, XRP emerged as a standout asset, fueled by Coinbase’s groundbreaking launch of regulated futures.
Coinbase Derivatives LLC introduced two contract sizes: a hefty standard contract for institutions representing 10,000 XRP, and a “nano” version for retail investors, covering 500 XRP.
Think of the standard contract as a full-size pizza, while the nano is just a slice. Both contracts are cash-settled in U.S. dollars and tied to the MarketVector Coinbase XRP Index, enhancing market liquidity and providing much-needed risk management tools.
Meanwhile, across the Pacific, South Korea was buzzing with XRP activity. On major exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb, XRP trading volume was outpacing Bitcoin and Ethereum, with figures soaring past $1 billion in a single day.
It seems South Korean traders have developed a taste for XRP, sometimes trading three times more than Bitcoin during politically charged moments. This isn’t just a trend; it reflects a growing local community that perceives XRP as a reliable solution for cross-border payments, offering speed and lower costs, unlike traditional methods that feel as slow as a tortoise in molasses.
As Coinbase’s futures rolled out, it coincided with fresh regulatory clarity following the SEC’s decision to settle with Ripple. This newfound confidence is fueling institutional interest, leading asset managers to file for XRP exchange-traded products (ETPs). It’s akin to a group of kids suddenly realizing they all want the same rare Pokémon card—everyone wants in.
Despite the optimism, critics point to recently discovered dormant XRP wallets tied to Ripple’s co-founder as potential evidence of centralization issues that could affect long-term stability.
In the midst of this whirlwind, XRP has seen a price rebound, climbing 24% from its lows. With this combination of institutional backing and South Korean enthusiasm, XRP isn’t just another cryptocurrency; it’s evolving into a household name, making waves that ripple across the financial landscape.
