Will XRP’s Next Big Cycle Begin With an ETF Approval?

The idea of market cycles has long shaped the way traders view Bitcoin and other top cryptocurrencies. Some experts believe in the four-year cycle tied to Bitcoin’s halving, which often influences the crypto market.

On the Paul Barron Podcast, Teucrium Trading’s CEO, Sal Gilbertie, was asked whether a new cycle could be forming for $XRP, similar to the four-year cycle often seen with Bitcoin. He explained that while crypto cycles are not as clear as those in traditional markets, the four-year trend does hold some weight. He also pointed out that weekend trading often shows repeated patterns across different coins, which short-term traders should pay attention to.

$XRP ETF on the Horizon

One of the biggest questions around $XRP right now is the approval of an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Sal said that there’s a strong chance the SEC could give the green light this year. While September is a popular target, delays remain possible, but he doesn’t expect a push all the way to 2026. If approved, an $XRP ETF would be big news, making it easier for traditional investors to access the token.

“I think it’ll happen this year. I don’t know about September, but I would be surprised if they push it to 2026,” he said.

Related: $XRP Analysts Target $10.47 as Long-Term Bullish Cycle Persists

Banking and Swift Integration Could Be Game-Changers

According to him, two major catalysts could reshape $XRP’s future: Ripple gaining a banking license and deeper involvement in cross-border payments. If Ripple becomes a regulated bank and decides to stop selling $XRP in the open market, it could boost confidence and reduce supply pressure.

On the global payments front, Ripple’s blockchain solutions could challenge the Swift system. As banks begin to use $XRP’s ledger for faster, cheaper transfers, they will no longer need to hold capital in multiple countries at once. This shift could free up massive amounts of liquidity, improve bank balance sheets, and fuel global economic growth.

Related: Wellgistics Health Launches $XRP Ledger Payment System for 6,500+ Pharmacies

$XRP Price Prediction

$XRP is currently trading at $3.11. While long-term targets after a possible ETF approval are seen around $10, the short-term outlook remains uncertain. Analyst Casi Trades said that $XRP dropped sharply from $3.21 to $3, but managed to hold support.

Source: CasiTrades

From that low, the token quickly bounced back to $3.11, regaining important retracement levels. According to the analyst, the next breakout target is near $4.70.