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Major Shiba Inu Distribution Warning as Price Targets Sharp Flush to Major Support

Elendu Benedict
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Major Shiba Inu Distribution Warning as Price Targets Sharp Flush to Major Support

Shiba Inu might see a sharp price correction toward a major support area, as the structure remains generally bearish when zoomed out.

Interestingly, this outlook comes despite recent upward momentum for SHIB. The bullish run from the previous week has endured, with the meme coin pushing further to $0.00000644 before momentum stalled. Still, Shiba Inu faces the possibility of a strong pullback to much lower prices.

Key Points

  • Shiba Inu might see a sharp price correction toward a major support area, as the structure remains generally bearish when zoomed out.
  • Recent behavior indicates the asset has struggled to break above a descending resistance trendline on the 4-hour chart.
  • As long as its price remains below this trendline, the overall tone leans toward continued downside pressure rather than recovery.
  • Analysis favors continued price weakness, targeting a 10.5% correction to the nearby support level at around $0.00000545.
  • If the nearby “minor support” gives way, the next area of interest could emerge near the $0.00000507 major demand zone.
  • A decisive move above the resistance region around $0.00000656 would challenge the current bearish outlook.

Shiba Inu Still Bearish

A TradingView analysis from “MyCryptoParadise” highlighted that market conditions around Shiba Inu paint a skeptical picture, especially as price action shows signs of underlying weakness. While short-term moves may appear bullish, a deeper reading of the structure highlights the need for caution at this stage.

Recent behavior indicates that SHIB has struggled to break out of a descending resistance trendline. Notably, the price has not found joy around this neckline resistance on the 4-hour chart, with earlier attempts to breach this zone stalling. The last try was on February 14, when a push to $0.00000725 marked the end of the uptrend.

Shiba Inu Descending Trendline Rejection/MyCryptoParadise
Shiba Inu Descending Trendline Rejection/MyCryptoParadise

According to the analyst, this repeated rejection is not random but rather reflects SHIB’s price weakness and prevailing selling pressure. As long as its price remains below this structure, the overall tone leans toward continued downside pressure rather than recovery.

Signs of Weakness Beneath the Surface

From a structural perspective, Shiba Inu operated around a supply zone at the time of the analysis. Around this area, between $0.0000060 and $0.0000059, selling interest has historically been strong. 

SHIB broke above this supply zone following its rally to Monday’s high of $0.00000644. The push saw it retest the descending trendline, but the token lacked sufficient strength to defy this resistance. 

Now, the meme coin has pulled back close to the supply zone, keeping the structure bearish. The analysis favors continued price weakness, targeting the nearby support level at around $0.00000545. This represents a 10.5% correction from the current market price of $0.00000609.

Looking more deeply into market behavior, the commentator highlighted the sequence in the volume spread. Per the analyst, a sharp upward move followed by a strong volume often signals distribution rather than accumulation. In such cases, institutional participants may be reducing exposure while market optimism remains elevated, creating a disconnect between sentiment and underlying demand.

Key Levels That Could Define the Next Shiba Inu Move

Meanwhile, recent price action has also shown signs of weakening demand. After a brief rally, the market failed to sustain momentum, suggesting buying pressure was insufficient to absorb the available supply. This type of reaction often precedes further downside if support levels begin to break.

If the nearby “minor support” gives way, the next area of interest could emerge near the $0.00000507 zone. SHIB last visited this area on February 6 and would need to correct 16.7% from here to reach this major support level.

However, the analyst noted that a decisive move above the resistance region around $0.00000656 would challenge the current bearish outlook. This near-8% rally would indicate renewed strength and could open the door to a bullish continuation instead of a correction.

How XRP Investments Could Be Taxed as SEC and CFTC Officially Declare XRP a Commodity

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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How XRP Investments Could Be Taxed as SEC and CFTC Officially Declare XRP a Commodity

Discussions around how the government could tax XRP investments have emerged after the SEC and CFTC officially declared XRP a commodity.

These discussions dominated the XRP community following a disclosure from Chad Steingraber, a well-known community commentator. Steingraber called attention to the recent commodity classification and then shared how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes commodities.

Key Points

  • The SEC and CFTC jointly named XRP a digital commodity through a recent interpretive release that also included Bitcoin, Ether, Cardano, and Solana, among others.
  • Following the release, discussions around how the government could now tax XRP have emerged, with some commentators pointing to commodity tax rules.
  • Per the rules, commodity futures contracts generally follow a 60/40 tax rule, while physical commodities like gold face a maximum 28% collectible tax rate.
  • Despite the commodity label, XRP spot holders still fall under IRS Notice 2014-21, which treats digital assets as property subject to standard capital gains rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% for long-term holdings.
  • The 60/40 rule and mark-to-market requirements only apply to XRP holders trading actual crypto futures or options under Section 1256, not to those holding spot XRP.

SEC and CFTC Officially Call XRP a Commodity

Steingraber highlighted these rules as the XRP community assesses the implications of the recent classification. Specifically, on March 17, the SEC and the CFTC jointly released an interpretive document officially naming XRP a digital commodity and confirming it is not a security. 

The release placed XRP in the same category as Bitcoin, Ether, Avalanche, Solana, Stellar Lumens, Cardano, and 12 other digital assets, all formally recognized as digital commodities under U.S. law. For XRP, this was a long-awaited moment of regulatory clarity from the highest levels of U.S. financial oversight.

SEC and CFTC Call XRP a Commodity
SEC and CFTC Call XRP a Commodity

The two agencies defined digital commodities as assets connected to functional, decentralized networks, like the XRP Ledger, whose value comes from supply, demand, and network activity rather than from anyone’s managerial efforts, as measured by the Howey test. 

Under the definition, these assets fall under CFTC oversight as commodities per the Commodity Exchange Act. Secondary market spot trading falls primarily under CFTC regulation, while the SEC keeps authority over primary issuance where relevant.

The March 17 classification followed a March 11 MoU between the SEC and CFTC, through which the two agencies launched a “Joint Harmonization Initiative” to align their enforcement actions, asset classification systems, and rulemaking processes. 

How Commodity Taxation Works

After the official classification, Chad Steingraber shared how U.S. tax rules generally treat commodities, in an attempt to give XRP holders a starting point for thinking about their tax situation. 

Steingraber explained that the tax system generally treats commodities as capital assets. He also mentioned that futures contracts often adhere to a 60/40 allocation, with 60% of profits treated as long-term capital gains and the remaining 40% as short-term capital gains. 

Meanwhile, for physical commodities like gold and silver, he added, the tax rate on long-term gains can reach as high as 28% because the IRS treats them as collectibles.

Further, ETFs that hold futures contracts typically follow the 60/40 rule and report income using Form K-1, while ETFs holding physical commodities face long-term gains taxed at the 28% collectible rate. However, the IRS treats ETNs as debt instruments, so short-term gains count as ordinary income and long-term gains as capital gains. 

Steingraber also pointed out that futures traders must report unrealized gains and losses at year-end through a mark-to-market requirement, and that, in most cases, capital losses can reduce up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year, with any remaining losses carried into future tax years.

Important Caveats XRP Holders Should Note

While Steingraber’s general overview of U.S. commodity tax rules is accurate, there are important details to keep in mind before applying those rules directly to XRP and the other 15 digital assets named in the release. First, the IRS has not changed how it treats cryptocurrency as a result of the new SEC and CFTC classification. 

All 16 digital assets named in the interpretive release, including XRP, still count as property under IRS Notice 2014-21. This means that selling or exchanging spot holdings triggers standard capital gains or losses, such as long-term rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% for assets held more than one year, and short-term gains taxed at ordinary income rates.

While Steingraber merely presented the information as a general picture of how commodity taxation works, placing the tax explanation right after naming these digital assets does create a risk that some readers might assume the rules apply directly to their XRP holdings. 

In practice, spot XRP does not automatically fall under the 60/40 rule or mark-to-market requirements, as they only apply if a holder trades actual crypto futures or options under Section 1256 of the tax code. The 28% collectible rate also does not apply to spot XRP, and most spot crypto holdings do not qualify for trader tax status under Section 475.

Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum grantor trusts, such as IBIT, face taxation as property, not under commodity tax rules, while futures-based crypto ETFs do follow the 60/40 and K-1 treatment Steingraber described. Most importantly, the new SEC and CFTC classification has no direct effect on how the IRS taxes these assets.

Citigroup Cuts Bitcoin, Ethereum Targets on Slower U.S. Regulatory Progress

Zabi
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Citigroup Cuts Bitcoin, Ethereum Targets on Slower U.S. Regulatory Progress

Wall Street giant Citigroup has lowered its one-year price forecasts for both Bitcoin and Ethereum.

It cited cooling market momentum, slower regulatory progress in the U.S., and more tempered expectations for ETF inflows.

In a report led by analyst Alex Saunders, the bank revised its projections downward. Specifically, the bank now expects Bitcoin to reach $112,000 within 12 months, down from a previous estimate of $143,000. It similarly cut its Ethereum target to $3,175 from $4,304.

Despite these reductions, Citi’s outlook still implies notable upside. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading near $74,000, while Ethereum hovered around $2,330. In other words, the bank still sees room for growth, albeit at a more measured pace.

Key Points

  • Citi cut its one-year forecasts for Bitcoin to $112,000 and for Ethereum to $3,175, citing slowing momentum and regulatory delays.
  • ETF inflows remain critical, with Citi projecting $10B for Bitcoin and $2.5B for Ethereum over the next year.
  • U.S. regulatory uncertainty persists; the CLARITY Act has passed the House but is stalled in the Senate.
  • Momentum in Bitcoin and Ethereum has weakened since October, with Ethereum underperforming relative to Bitcoin.
  • Citi sees both bull and bear scenarios: Bitcoin could rise to $165,000 or fall to $58,000; Ethereum could reach $4,488 or drop to $1,198.

ETF Flows Remain Key, Though Outlook Softens

Even as it trimmed its forecasts, Citi emphasized that ETF inflows remain the primary driver of potential price gains. However, expectations have been recalibrated to reflect a slower pace of demand.

Specifically, the bank now projects approximately $10 billion in Bitcoin ETF inflows and $2.5 billion in Ethereum ETF inflows. According to Saunders, these flows still represent the most significant positive catalyst for the market. He added that ETF demand has held up relatively well, even amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

That said, the crypto market has struggled to regain strong upward momentum. Since Bitcoin’s peak in October, prices have gradually softened, reflecting a decline in risk appetite and waning post-halving enthusiasm. In this environment, ETF inflows have acted more as a stabilizing force than a trigger for sharp rallies.

Regulatory Uncertainty Weighs on Sentiment

Citi also highlighted the pivotal role of U.S. regulation in shaping the market’s trajectory. The report estimates a roughly 60% chance of major crypto legislation passing this year, though the window for action appears to be narrowing.

A central focus is the CLARITY Act, which has passed the House but remains under debate in the Senate. Continued negotiations have added to uncertainty, contributing to a more cautious market tone.

The proposed legislation aims to clarify how digital assets are classified and regulated, and to define the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Greater regulatory clarity is widely viewed as essential for boosting institutional participation.

Momentum Fades After October Highs

Beyond regulatory concerns, Citi pointed to weakening market momentum since October’s highs. Several factors have contributed to this trend, including futures liquidations and signs of investor fatigue.

Moreover, prices remain below key technical levels, limiting bullish sentiment. Bitcoin, in particular, appears likely to trade within a defined range in the near term, with $70,000 emerging as a key psychological threshold tied to earlier expectations.

Ethereum, meanwhile, has underperformed relative to Bitcoin. Its weaker showing has been linked to softer on-chain activity, which continues to weigh on demand.

Bull and Bear Scenarios

Given these mixed signals, Citi outlined both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. In a strong growth environment, driven by increased adoption and ETF demand, Bitcoin could climb to $165,000. Under the same conditions, Ethereum may reach $4,488.

Conversely, a weaker macroeconomic backdrop could lead to lower prices. In a recession scenario, Bitcoin might fall to $58,000, while Ethereum could decline to $1,198.

Overall, Citi’s revised outlook reflects rising risks but not a fundamentally negative stance. While both assets face near-term headwinds, growth opportunities remain.

Ethereum’s outlook appears somewhat more uncertain, largely due to its dependence on network activity. However, longer-term developments in areas such as stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance could provide meaningful support, thus offering a path to recovery if broader conditions improve.

Cardano Still an Interesting Trade Opportunity: Top Analyst

Elendu Benedict
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Cardano Still an Interesting Trade Opportunity: Top Analyst

Despite the broader downtrend momentum, Cardano still has the potential to present a solid opportunity for outsized gains.

Cardano (ADA) is up 8% this week and is on track for its second consecutive weekly green candle if current momentum continues. However, this gain could prove modest relative to the asset’s broader upside potential once it breaks out of its ongoing corrective phase.

Key Points

  • ADA failed to follow the trajectory of Bitcoin in the just-concluded crypto cycle and barely met its ATH of $3.10 halfway, peaking at $1.32.
  • Cardano has shown strength around the key local support level of $0.22, with analysts suggesting there is little room for ADA to drop further.
  • Despite the broader downtrend momentum, Cardano still has the potential to present a solid opportunity for outsized gains.
  • Everything hinges on Bitcoin, as its show of strength will make major altcoins start to look appealing.
  • For price targets, Cardano could do an easy 3x-4x rally and potentially break to new ATHs if momentum is strong.

Cardano Has Underperformed

Zach Humphries, an analyst and builder of XT ALGO and CoinDuel AI, discussed the current state of Cardano in a recent market outlook. He stated the obvious, which is that Cardano has underperformed massively.

Notably, ADA failed to follow Bitcoin’s trajectory in the just-concluded crypto cycle. While Bitcoin did not meet its usual standards, it still reached a new all-time high above $126,000, rallying 8x from its bear market lows.

In contrast, ADA barely met its ATH of $3.10 halfway, peaking at $1.32. Notably, although the broader altcoin market struggled, Cardano also underperformed comparable assets like Ethereum and XRP, which rallied to new all-time highs in the just-concluded bull run. 

Further, ADA did not match the trajectory of newer coins like Hyperliquid, losing its place as the 10th-largest cryptocurrency by market cap to the DEX platform’s native token after holding that position since 2017.

No Room for Further Cardano Dumps

Now, when the corrective phase kicked in, ADA also dumped hard. The asset has quickly dropped to previous cycle bear market lows. For context, it reached a low of $0.2205 on February 6, a price level last seen in July 2023.

Cardano Price Chart/Zach Humphries
Cardano Price Chart/Zach Humphries

Meanwhile, Cardano has shown strength around this key local support, with analysts suggesting it has bottomed. Humphries shares a similar sentiment, noting that there is not much room for ADA to drop further.

He also corrected the growing narrative that “Cardano is dead.” Despite emphasizing its underperformance, he believes the coin still presents an interesting trading opportunity for substantial gains. According to him, ADA is shaping up to be a very solid trade.

Nonetheless, he sees Cardano not as a long-term hold but as an asset to time its entry properly and make quick gains. Not just ADA, he noted that this is his disposition towards the broader altcoin market, as he sees Bitcoin as the only crypto to hold for the long term.

What Needs to Happen

Furthermore, the analyst noted that everything hinges on Bitcoin. If the apex cryptocurrency shows strength, major altcoins start to look appealing. Further northward drive for BTC expands liquidity for the broader market, benefiting other assets extensively.

Additionally, Humphries noted that Cardano and other smart-contract blockchains need a new narrative to drive adoption. For longevity, he stated that the ADA ecosystem needs to find a big problem to solve. The analyst, however, remains upbeat about this happening, citing the network’s renowned security features.

If these factors align, Humphries believes ADA would catch up to Bitcoin. He envisions the capital rotation not seen in the past cycle happening in the near term. 

For price targets, he noted that Cardano could do an easy 3x-4x rally. This could push prices to a range between $0.84 and $1.12. If the market shows further strength, he predicted the coin could reach its current ATH and enter uncharted territory.

U.S. Regulators Declare Shiba Inu a Digital Commodity

Lele Jima
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U.S. Regulators Declare Shiba Inu a Digital Commodity

A new joint regulatory clarification from the U.S. SEC and the CFTC has classified Shiba Inu as a digital commodity rather than a security. 

The agencies issued the guidance yesterday to clarify how federal securities laws apply to cryptocurrencies. As a result, they placed Shiba Inu in the same regulatory category as leading assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Cardano. 

Key Points 

  • U.S. financial regulators, the SEC and CFTC, categorize Shiba Inu as a digital commodity, not a security. 
  • Shiba Inu now holds the same regulatory status as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. 
  • The SEC framework prioritizes utility and function over speculation, indicating that digital commodities derive value from their role within a crypto network. 
  • This regulatory clarity could boost institutional interest in SHIB, potentially strengthening the case for a spot-based U.S. ETF. 

Previous Regulatory Uncertainty 

This development marks a major turning point in Shiba Inu’s regulatory journey. Previously, uncertainty persisted as regulators debated whether meme coins like SHIB could qualify as securities. 

Notably, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler repeatedly argued that most cryptocurrencies fall under securities laws. However, the current administration has gradually reversed this stance. For instance, in February 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance clarified that meme coins are not securities and are more closely akin to digital collectibles. 

Consequently, the latest guidance firmly positions SHIB within the commodity category, aligning it with the core assets of the crypto market. 

SEC and CTFC digital asset classification
SEC and CTFC digital asset classification

Why Shiba Inu Falls Under the Digital Commodity Classification 

It is worth noting that the SEC’s definition of digital commodity emphasizes function over speculation. A digital commodity derives value from its role within an operational crypto system. 

According to the framework, it facilitates transactions, supports network security, and enables user participation. In line with this framework, SHIB’s expanding ecosystem strengthens its classification. 

Beyond its origins as a meme token, the project now supports payments and decentralized finance while developing additional components, including a layer-2 network, NFTs, and a metaverse initiative. 

Potential Benefits 

With this clarity in place, SHIB may become more attractive to institutional investors seeking regulatory certainty. As confidence improves, the market could see stronger demand, deeper liquidity, and broader integration across financial platforms.

Moreover, the classification significantly improves the prospects for a Shiba Inu-focused ETF in the United States. Since commodity status aligns SHIB with existing ETF frameworks used for Bitcoin and Ethereum, asset managers may now explore SHIB-based investment products. 

Notably, Grayscale Investments already considers SHIB eligible for a spot ETF under the SEC’s Generic Listing Standards framework. Although no dedicated SHIB ETF has been filed to date, aside from a broader basket proposal from T. Rowe Price, this regulatory clarity could encourage institutions to pursue standalone filings. 

Furthermore, exchanges and financial platforms are likely to view SHIB as lower risk from a compliance standpoint. This shift could drive wider adoption, increase listings, and strengthen its overall market position.

Ultimately, the designation of Shiba Inu as a digital commodity signals a clear transition. It moves from being perceived primarily as a speculative meme asset to becoming a recognized and functional component of the broader digital asset ecosystem.

Ripple CTO Emeritus Reveals First Email He Received with a Mention of XRP

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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Ripple CTO Emeritus Reveals First Email He Received with a Mention of XRP

Ripple’s CTO Emeritus, David Schwartz, has publicly shared the first email he received that had a mention of the word “XRP.”

David Schwartz, Ripple’s former Chief Technology Officer and now CTO Emeritus, recently shared an early moment from XRP’s history. Specifically, he revealed the first email he ever received that mentioned XRP, which dates back to February 2013, a time when the technology was still in its early stages.

Key Points

  • David Schwartz revealed that the first XRP-related email he received came in February 2013, during the earliest phase of the XRP Ledger after its mid-2012 launch.
  • Vinnie Falco requested XRP in the email as part of his effort to explore Ripple’s technology after joining from the BitcoinTalk community.
  • At the time of the email, XRP changed hands at around $0.00587, while Bitcoin traded for $28, showing how early and undeveloped the crypto market was.
  • In response, Alex Kravets, the inventor of Google Auto-Complete, sent 1,000 XRP (valued at $5.87 then) to Falco on Feb. 16, 2013, now worth $1,530. 

The First Email Mention

Schwartz revealed this in a recent post on X, confirming that the email came up in February 2013. Back then, the XRP Ledger had just launched in mid-2012. 

XRP itself had little to no market presence, trading for around $0.00587. There were no major exchanges listing it, and trading activity was almost nonexistent. Even Bitcoin was still changing hands around $27, showing just how early the entire crypto space was.

Schwartz explained that this email came from Vinnie Falco. In the message, Falco introduced himself as a member of the BitcoinTalk forum and said he had created a Ripple account to better understand the technology. He then asked if Schwartz could send him some XRP to a wallet ID named “Vinnie.”

Early Email Mentioning XRP
Early Email Mentioning XRP

Falco Later Joined Ripple

This sort of request was common at the time, as people were not focused on profits yet. Instead, developers and early users wanted to explore how the system worked. XRP moved mostly through informal sharing between individuals instead of structured trading. 

Interestingly, Falco later became more than just an early user. He joined Ripple and played a major role in development. 

For context, Falco is an experienced programmer who currently serves as President and Executive Director of the C++ Alliance. Before that, he created BearShare, a file-sharing program based on the Gnutella network. At Ripple, Falco worked on core systems and developed Beast, a C++ library used for HTTP and WebSocket communication. 

The XRP Transfer from Google Auto-Complete Inventor

When someone asked Schwartz if he sent the XRP Falco requested, he clarified that he did not. Instead, Alex Kravets, the co-founder of Google Auto-Complete, sent the tokens. Blockchain records confirm that Kravets transferred 1,000 XRP to Falco on Feb. 16, 2013.

At the time of that transaction, the 1,000 XRP was worth only $5.87, which puts the price at about $0.00587 per XRP. Today, that same amount is worth around $1,530. Meanwhile, if the transaction had transferred 1 million XRP in 2013, it would have cost just $5,870. Today, that would be worth about $1.53 million.

XRP ETFs Record First Daily Capital Inflow After a Week

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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XRP ETFs Record First Daily Capital Inflow After a Week

XRP ETFs have broken the bearish trend that ran for over a week, recording daily inflows for the first time since March 4.

The downtrend that has dominated the scene eventually had an impact on the XRP ETF market this month. For eight consecutive days, XRP ETFs failed to record any inflow, marking their longest bearish stretch since launch. 

However, data indicates that the market has finally flipped the bearish trend, with XRP ETF products witnessing inflows yesterday for the first time since March 4. Interestingly enough, this comes as the XRP price records its first daily loss since March 12.

Key Points

  • The bearish market condition finally caught up with the XRP ETF market, as these products failed to log any inflows for eight days.
  • During this period, XRP ETFs witnessed $56.82 million worth of capital outflows, bringing their cumulative total net inflow to $1.2 billion.
  • The ETF products have now flipped this trend after more than a week, recently recording $4.64 million in inflows, the first positive flow since March 4.
  • Ironically, this positive turnaround comes as the XRP price prints its first daily loss since March 12, breaking a five-day winning streak.

XRP ETFs Record First Inflow After 8-Day Bearish Stretch

This is according to data provided by crypto market analytics resource Sosovalue. For context, after recording seven consecutive days of inflows from Feb. 24 to March 4, pulling in $28.25 million worth of capital, the XRP ETFs witnessed a drop in the bullish momentum, with the trend eventually flipping bearish.

From March 4, these products started seeing capital outflows that erased all the gains picked up during the seven-day bullish stretch. Specifically, the XRP ETFs recorded eight consecutive days of capital outflows, losing $56.82 million during this period. This dropped their cumulative total net inflow from $1.26 billion to $1.2 billion.

Now, the XRP ETF products have again flipped the trend, witnessing their first inflow after failing to see any positive figure for eight consecutive days. Notably, XRP ETFs saw $4.64 million worth of inflows on March 17, bringing the cumulative total net inflow to $1.21 billion. Whether this will mark the start of another inflow trend remains to be seen.

XRP ETFs Daily Flows Sosovalue
XRP ETFs Daily Flows | Sosovalue

Bitwise XRP ETF Drove All Capital Inflows

Interestingly, this latest performance did not reflect a broader shift in momentum across the five existing XRP spot ETFs. Instead, one product drove the change: the Bitwise XRP ETF (XRP). Notably, this fund singlehandedly pulled in the $4.64 million worth of inflows on March 17.

All the other XRP ETFs, including the Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ), the Canary Capital XRP ETF (XRPC), the Grayscale XRP Trust ETF (GXRP), and the 21Shares XRP ETF (TOXR), saw zero flows. Moreover, the outflows recorded on March 16 ($-5.98 million) and March 12 (-$6.08 million) came from TOXR and XRPZ.

XRP’s Price Performance

Notably, the latest positive turnaround in the ETF market comes amid a bearish flip recorded by the XRP price. Specifically, after dropping to a low of $1.32 on March 8, XRP embarked on a recovery campaign alongside the rest of the crypto market. 

Within this period, the XRP price witnessed seven intraday gains in eight days, marking its longest bullish stretch since September 2025. This run led to a price increase of 16.6% from the March 8 low, as XRP claimed $1.54. When XRP attempted to recover $1.6 on March 17, it recorded its first intraday loss in six days. The ETF inflow emerged on the back of this loss.

Ripple CLO Says We Always Knew XRP Was Never Security, After This Latest SEC Development

Lele Jima
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0
Ripple CLO Says We Always Knew XRP Was Never Security, After This Latest SEC Development

Ripple Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Stuart Alderoty has welcomed new regulatory guidance from the U.S. SEC, which categorizes XRP as a digital commodity. 

In a landmark development, the SEC has settled the longstanding debate over the regulatory status of XRP by clarifying that the fourth-biggest token is a digital commodity. 

Key Points   

  • The U.S. SEC has officially categorized XRP as a digital commodity, not a security. 
  • Its definition suggests that a digital commodity derives value from network functionality and market dynamics. 
  • Ripple’s CLO welcomed the classification, emphasizing that it aligns with the company’s longstanding stance on the token. 
  • Other major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Dogecoin, are also categorized as digital commodities. 

SEC Names XRP a Digital Commodity

The SEC, working alongside the U.S. CFTC, issued a joint interpretation to clarify how federal laws apply to crypto assets. As a result, regulators have taken a major step toward reducing uncertainty across the digital asset market. 

Under the new framework, the SEC introduces a structured taxonomy that classifies crypto assets such as digital commodities, securities, and stablecoins. Within this system, XRP is explicitly identified as a digital commodity rather than a security, reinforcing its distinct classification.

Moreover, the interpretation defines a digital commodity as a crypto asset whose value stems from the functionality of its underlying network and overall market supply and demand, not from expectations of profit tied to the managerial efforts of a central entity. 

In addition, the guidance explains when a crypto asset may qualify as an investment contract and emphasizes that such a designation can change over time. It also outlines how securities laws apply to key activities such as staking, airdrops, and token wrapping, providing further clarity to market participants. 

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Ripple CLO Reacts

In response, Alderoty welcomed the development and emphasized that it validates Ripple’s longstanding position that XRP is not a security. 

Furthermore, he credited regulatory efforts, particularly from the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, for finally delivering the clarity that investors, innovators, and the broader market have sought for more than a decade.

SEC Reaffirms XRP’s Non-Security Status

For years, XRP’s regulatory status remained a major point of contention within the crypto industry. This uncertainty eventually led to a prolonged legal battle between Ripple and the SEC, which cost the company over $150 million.

However, the turning point came when a U.S. federal court, led by Analisa Torres, ruled that XRP itself is not inherently a security. Although the SEC later settled its case with Ripple on this basis, broader questions about XRP’s classification persisted.

Now, the latest SEC interpretation conclusively resolves that debate. By classifying XRP as a digital commodity alongside assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, regulators have aligned with prior judicial findings and Ripple’s initial stance on the token. 

Why Ripple Will Never Abandon XRP, Research Paper  Reveals

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Why Ripple Will Never Abandon XRP, Research Paper  Reveals

A research paper cited by XRP community researcher SMQKE is reinforcing a long-standing belief among supporters. Specifically, it stressed that Ripple is unlikely to abandon XRP, as the asset remains deeply within its payment infrastructure.

The document was published in Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research. It outlines how XRP continues to play a central role in Ripple’s cross-border payment ecosystem, particularly through RippleNet.

Key Points

  • A research paper says XRP remains central to Ripple’s payment infrastructure and long-term strategy.
  • Ripple Payments relies on XRP as a liquidity bridge for fast, efficient cross-border transfers.
  • The study highlights XRP’s role in reducing delays, improving security, and enabling seamless value exchange.
  • Despite RLUSD launch, Ripple maintains XRP is integral, backed by institutional adoption and use cases.

RippleNet’s Dependence on XRP

According to the research, RippleNet (now Ripple Payments) relies heavily on XRP as a medium of exchange. This dependency suggests that as long as Ripple’s payment network is active, XRP will continue to function as a key liquidity bridge.

The paper explains that XRP helps address common concerns in digital payments, such as double-spending risks. Faster transaction speeds reduce the waiting time typically associated with traditional systems. This improves both security and efficiency in value transfers.

In essence, the study argues that XRP’s utility is not theoretical; it is built into the operational framework of RippleNet itself.

XRP as a Global Bridge Asset

The research also highlights Ripple’s ambition for XRP beyond its current use case. The company has previously explored positioning XRP as a neutral bridge asset in the context of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

This suggests XRP could facilitate interoperability among fiat systems, enabling smoother cross-border transactions without reliance on traditional intermediaries. By pushing XRP toward larger platforms, Ripple seeks to expand its real-world use rather than phasing it out.

Institutional Adoption Strengthens the Case

Another key point raised in the paper is the growing list of financial institutions connected to Ripple’s network. Major global players like Bank of America and Santander are cited as participants in the ecosystem.

This institutional involvement adds weight to XRP’s long-term relevance. Additionally, Ripple’s funding history, including a $500 million round in 2025 from major Wall Street giants, reflects continued investor confidence in its business model and underlying technology.

Long-Term Outlook

The paper concludes that XRP will continue to coexist with Ripple Labs for the foreseeable future, supported by its role in value transfer, network security, and overall system efficiency.

However, it also notes potential risks that could shape its trajectory. These include tightening global regulations and emerging technologies that may compete with blockchain-based solutions.

Notably, Ripple has also launched a stablecoin, RLUSD, which now complements XRP in its payment operations. Some commentators have argued that the company is abandoning XRP in favor of a stable asset. However, Ripple executives have continued to stress that XRP remains integral to their operations.

“XRP is our north star,” as CEO Brad Garlinghouse has famously said.

Viperium Goes Live: The Funded Trading Platform Putting Real Capital Behind Retail Traders

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Viperium Goes Live: The Funded Trading Platform Putting Real Capital Behind Retail Traders

Viperium launches a trading platform that funds traders from $1,000 to $1,000,000.

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Viperium, the proprietary trading platform designed to remove the capital barrier between skilled traders and real market opportunity, has officially launched its live trading platform with real-money funded accounts now active and open to traders.

The platform allows any trader to access a funded account with an initial balance of $1,000 for a subscription fee of $100. No personal capital is put at risk. No time limits. No arbitrary trading caps. Traders operate within a structured, rules-based environment, advancing through 16 progressive tiers, with allocated capital scaling from $1,000 all the way to $1,000,000.

How It Works

Viperium’s model is straightforward. A trader pays a $100 subscription fee and is immediately funded with $1,000 in trading capital. Automated risk management enforces a 10% stop-win and a 5% stop-loss on each tier. When a trader hits the 10% gain threshold, half of the profit is deposited directly into their cash wallet, which remains withdrawable at any point, and they advance to the next tier with increased capital. At the highest tier, every subsequent milestone delivers a $50,000 cash deposit directly to the trader’s wallet.

What the Founders Are Saying

Victor Dinescu, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “I created Viperium because many people are good at trading but don’t have the money to start. Most platforms make people risk their own savings, and many lose before they even get a real chance. With Viperium, traders can use our capital and grow step by step by showing their skill. Our goal is simple: give everyone a fair chance to learn, trade, and build a better life.”

Jonathane Stephenson, Co-Founder and CFO, added: “Viperium was created to remove the capital barrier that stops many talented traders from reaching their potential. Too often the industry offers simulated environments that never translate into real opportunity. At Viperium the capital is real, the structure is transparent, and the incentives are aligned. We only succeed if the trader succeeds. Our mission is to build a platform where disciplined traders can scale from $1,000 to $1,000,000 while accumulating real profits along the way. If we can help thousands of traders become consistently profitable and move toward financial independence, then we have achieved exactly what we set out to build.”

What Comes Next

The Viperium ecosystem extends beyond the trading platform. The team is preparing the launch of the VPR utility token, which will serve as the access key to platform services, tier progression, and premium features. Further details on the token launch will be announced in the coming weeks.

Traders can register and create an account now at viperiumtrading.com

About Viperium Viperium is a trading platform built at the crossroads of funded trading and financial technology. The platform provides traders with real capital in a structured, rules-based environment, removing the traditional barrier between trading skill and meaningful market exposure.

Media Contact

Zantelle van der Linde, CMO

zantelle@viperiumtrading.com

Website: Viperiumtrading

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