Brazil’s CVM has approved the world’s first spot XRP ETF and it’s set to launch on Brazil’s B3 stock exchange. This brought discussions about XRP ETFs in other markets, especially the U.S., where the SEC is now reviewing multiple applications – we’ll cover the potential implications of this below.
During this time, Bitcoin’s DeFi ecosystem remains small compared to rivals, but StratoVM could be the upgrade it’s been waiting for. This new Layer-2 solution could deliver fast, low-cost DeFi on Bitcoin while maintaining its security.
We’ll check out all the relevant details below.
XRP Price Prediction: XRP ETF Approval Closer Than Ever – Here’s What Analysts Think Will Happen
On February 20, 2025, Brazil’s Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) approved the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund, marking the launch of the world’s first spot XRP ETF.
Managed by Hashdex, a leading crypto asset manager, the fund will trade on Brazil’s B3 stock exchange. While the official trading date remains unconfirmed, Hashdex has verified the approval and promised further updates soon.
Meanwhile, Grayscale’s XRP ETF application has taken a key step forward, with the U.S. SEC formally acknowledging it. While this doesn’t guarantee approval, it signals progress—especially as Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC continues.
On Polymarket, traders are increasingly confident in an XRP ETF approval, with betting odds rising from 70% in January to 81% after the SEC’s acknowledgment of Grayscale’s filing. Currently, they stand at X%.
Analysts like Xoom foresee a rally to $5-$7 by the end of February, while Amonyx believes XRP could hit $20+ this year.
StratoVM ($SVM) – Could This Bitcoin Layer-2 Be the Next Big Thing in BTCFi?
StratoVM ($SVM) is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain that’s working on potentially bringing smart contracts, meme coins, AI, and DeFi to Bitcoin. It has surged 3442.5% in the past month, now trading at $0.108, according to CoinGecko.
With its mainnet launch coming soon, StratoVM is at an important stage right now. CoreDAO, another Bitcoin Layer-2, has a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $990 million, while StratoVM sits at just $9 million. If adoption picks up, there could be room for major growth.
SVM 30-day chart, Source: CoinGecko
The BTCFi (Bitcoin DeFi) sector is expanding fast, with total value locked (TVL) jumping from $307 million in January 2024 to $6.6 billion in February 2025, according to DeFiLlama. StratoVM could benefit from this trend, especially after its recent Uniswap listing increased its exposure.
The project has already secured over 50 partnerships, and many expect a potential centralized exchange (CEX) listing soon. Its community is also growing quickly, with nearly 100,000 followers on Twitter and Telegram.
As Bitcoin moves beyond just being “digital gold,” StratoVM could help change (and improve) the future of BTCFi. The testnet has already processed over 113,312 wallets and 56,200+ daily transactions.
If the project succeeds, it could change how Bitcoin holders use DeFi and potentially encourage more adoption.
The Bottom Line
With Brazil approving the first spot XRP ETF and the U.S. SEC reviewing Grayscale’s application, XRP is at a pivotal moment. If ETF approvals continue, they could bring a major price surge, with some analysts predicting a run toward $20 or above.
Meanwhile, StratoVM is a new project that could bring major upgrades in Bitcoin’s DeFi space. As BTCFi grows into a multi-billion-dollar sector, StratoVM’s Layer-2 solution could activate new possibilities for smart contracts, meme coins, and AI on Bitcoin.
With its mainnet launch approaching and speculation about a new CEX listing, now may be the time to watch StratoVM closely.
This article does not offer financial advice. Cryptocurrencies can be unpredictable and carry risks. It is important to conduct thorough research before acquiring any crypto asset. Forward-looking statements carry risks and are not guaranteed to be updated.