Technology News and Reviews Philippines
In the heart of the Philippines, a thrilling event is taking the world of competitive card gaming by storm. The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) has emerged as the pinnacle of Filipino card game tournaments, showcasing the nation’s rich gaming heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern competitive play. This electrifying championship is not just a test of skill; it’s a celebration of culture, strategy, and the indomitable Filipino spirit.
Tech Neck Time Bomb: Spinal Health Week Exposes Hidden Cost to Australians’ Health & Productivity
“Get the heads up on tech neck!” – National Spinal Health Week is 26 May to 1 June 2025
With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain including, Tension Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) commonly known as ‘tech neck’ or‘text neck’, national Spinal Health Week (26 May to 1 June 2025) is dedicated to promoting spinal health and preventing the incidences of tech neck in Australians of all ages.
MSDs affect the joints, bones, muscles and multiple body areas (including the neck) and cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.
Dr Billy Chow, President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) said, “With tech neck emerging as a growing global public health concern, together with the projected increase in MSDs over the next two decades, the health burden on Australians and our economy is and will continue to be significant.”
“With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95% of Australians accessing the internet via a smartphone, the focus of ACA’s annual national Spinal Health Week(26 May to 1 June 2025) is on encouraging Australians to adjust their thinking and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health and avoid debilitating tech neck,” said Dr Chow.
“Once primarily experienced by seniors, with the advent of smart devices and wide-spread use of tablets and computers by people of all ages including children; we’re seeing a growing number of younger patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from cervical spine disorders due to incorrect use of technology devices,” he said.
Studies have shown smartphone and computer use can have a significant impact on pain severity among tech neck sufferers with the most prevalent symptoms of neck and back pain linked to the length of time spent using a device and the degree of discomfort experienced.
Caused by poor posture and the prolonged or incorrect use of digital devices, tech neck can lead to headaches, neck, shoulder and upper back pain that over time, can lead to changes to the natural curve of the cervical spine.
A recent study ‘The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students’ published in Nature (29.8.2024), examined the correlation between phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain in university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use by university students, with almost 87% of Australians now regular smartphone users and 75.5% being daily computer users, it’s fair to consider the findings may be broadly applied to the population generally, particularly young people who’ve grown up using smartphones and tablets,” said Dr Chow.
“While more studies are needed to better understand the implications of incorrect and overuse of technology on spinal health; to help prevent tech neck, we need to re-think how we use devices particularly young people who spend prolonged periods with their head bent forward viewing a smartphone,” he said.
“When it comes to smartphones, not only must we monitor the length of time we use our devices, but we must be cognisant that overuse and the way we use them can negatively impact our spinal health as well as our mental health,” Dr Chow said.
“The ACA recommends limiting recreational screentime to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to prevent bending the neck forward, changing posture and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck from side-to-side.”
“Computer use is also a primary cause of tech neck. Although most common among office workers, with 75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 using computers daily, incorrect use and computer set up can lead to a range of MSDs.
“Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university or at work; it’s essential to take regular postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching and ensure workstations are set up ergonomically correct to help prevent tech neck, increase productivity and maintain overall spinal health and wellbeing,”
“During Spinal Health Week, we’re encouraging all Australians to adjust their thinking on how they use smartphones, tablets and computers to help prevent persistent, aggravated head, neck and upper back injuries which impact productivity at home, school and at work,” he said.
For sufferers of tech neck, while medications may offer temporary relief from neck and back pain, academic studies (including a Sydney University study) show opioids do not benefit people with acute neck or back pain (lasting up to 12 weeks) and have no positive role in treatment.
However, studies have shown that commencing treatment for tech neck promptly is crucial in preventing further functional decline and progression to a chronic condition. Effective treatment outcomes are achieved through a combination of strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy and postural correction.
“Every week over 400,000 chiropractic healthcare consultations help create well-adjusted Australians as ACA chiropractors play an important role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians,” said Dr Chow.
“This Spinal Health Week, we’re inviting Australians to join the movement to learn and share practical strategies that can help prevent tech neck, promote overall spinal health ad wellbeing, and reduce the economic and personal burden of MSDs,” Dr Chow said.
As a leader in musculoskeletal health, ACA has invested over $2.3 million to advance research in building evidence-based practice for chiropractic healthcare and promotes the importance of maintaining spinal health through its annual flagship campaign, National Spinal Health Week – Australia’s longest running and award-winning health awareness campaign dedicated to improving the spinal health of Australians of all ages.
Get the heads up on tech neck and download ACA’s FREE Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklistsfor Adults, Parents and Students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster available to download from www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
The SEC has approved ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs, signaling a major shift in U.S. crypto regulation. Discover what this means for XRP, Ripple’s legal battle, and the future of spot ETFs.
In a major development for the cryptocurrency sector, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) has approved ProShares’ launch of XRP futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with trading set to begin on April 30, 2025.
This move is poised to reshape the landscape for XRP investors and highlights a broader shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes toward digital assets.
XRP is a digital token created by Ripple Labs, a company focused on revolutionizing cross-border payments. Ripple’s network aims to connect international banks, enabling instant money transfers without the inefficiencies of traditional systems like SWIFT. XRP serves as a bridge currency within this network, offering rapid, low-cost transactions. A single cross-border transfer using XRP costs just a fraction of a cent, demonstrating its utility in real-world financial ecosystems.
Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the SEC, which began in 2020, had cast a long shadow over XRP’s price. However, a more crypto-friendly political environment under President Donald Trump and recent developments hinting at a settlement have significantly improved sentiment around XRP.
ProShares, already known for its Bitcoin Futures ETF (BITO), proposed three XRP-linked ETFs back in January 2025:
1. Ultra XRP ETF (2x leveraged)
2. Short XRP ETF (inverse -1x leveraged)
3. UltraShort XRP ETF (inverse -2x leveraged)
These futures ETFs will track XRP prices based on the XRP Index, allowing investors to speculate on XRP’s price movements without owning the actual token. This differs from spot ETFs, which require the fund to hold the underlying asset itself.
The ETFs will invest in a combination of XRP futures contracts, swaps, and cash balances in money market instruments, including U.S. Treasuries. Importantly, this offers a regulated pathway for investors to engage with XRP price trends while reducing direct exposure risks.
The approval of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is a watershed moment for several reasons:
1. Regulatory Recognition: It marks increasing acceptance of XRP as a legitimate asset class within regulated U.S. financial markets.
2. Institutional Interest: The move could unlock substantial institutional capital, mirroring patterns observed after the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
3. Market Sentiment: XRP prices have already reacted positively, surging over 6% to $2.28 in early trading on April 28, with daily trading volume soaring by more than 53%.
In contrast, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies saw price declines during the same period, highlighting XRP’s relative strength.
The backdrop of these developments is Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC. However, recent reports indicate that Ripple and the SEC have reached an agreement to settle the case. As part of the settlement:
1. Ripple will pay $50 million of a previously escrowed $125 million penalty.
2. The SEC will withdraw its appeal regarding the “Programmatic Sales of XRP” ruling.
3. Judge Analisa Torres may lift the injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors.
If finalized, this settlement could remove a significant overhang on XRP and further boost its market credibility.
ProShares has also filed for a spot XRP ETF, which is currently pending SEC approval. A spot ETF would involve holding actual XRP tokens rather than futures contracts, offering a more direct exposure option to investors.
The precedent set by Brazil — where Hashdex recently launched the world’s first spot XRP ETF — suggests that once one major market opens the gates, others tend to follow. Betting platform Polymarket now places the odds of a U.S. XRP-spot ETF approval by December 2025 at 78%, up from 68% earlier this month.
Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart maintains high confidence in an eventual approval, predicting final decisions by October 2025.
Following the SEC’s announcement and broader market enthusiasm:
1. Current Price: $2.2335
2. Market Cap: $136 billion
3. 52-Week Range: $0.39 to $3.38
XRP is currently consolidating above key support levels near $2.10, with resistance around $2.22. A decisive breakout above $2.40 could set the stage for a retest of previous highs at $3.3999 and eventually its all-time high of $3.5505.
Still, downside risks remain, particularly if the Ripple-SEC settlement faces delays or if macroeconomic conditions worsen. A bearish scenario could see XRP retreat toward the $1.50 mark.
The launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is more than just a new investment product, it signals the maturing of the crypto industry and growing mainstream acceptance of alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With Ripple nearing a possible resolution with the SEC, rising institutional interest, and the growing likelihood of spot ETF approvals, XRP is well-positioned for a significant evolution in 2025 and beyond. However, investors should remain cautious and monitor legal and regulatory developments closely.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
COMINT Consulting supports more than 70 Allied countries’ SIGINT / COMINT efforts. We continually add new SIGINT solutions and tools to the many high-priority targets facing military and civilian intelligence agencies and warfighters today. With hundreds more digital signal decoders than its closest competition and parsers for extraction of maximum actionable intelligence, the software has resulted in numerous battlefield and law enforcement successes worldwide. Its digital signal decoding software for COMINT, SIGINT, Electronic Warfare – both Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and can be used in ANY mission platform – manned or unmanned.
Even more DECODING POWER – New features include these new decoders
and tools:
– Selex CNR-2000 Stanag5066 variant
– Codan Sentry variant Mil-Std 188-110
– CCIR493-4 variant Selcall
-Thales MSN8200 variant Mil-Std 188-141B 3G ALE
– GJB2077A-2007 3G ALE
– Mil-Std 188-110C App D (Stanag5069)
– Harris RF7800H variant Mil-Std 188-110C App D
– Huneed VSC-870K variant Mil-Std 188-110C App D
– Thales MSN8200 variant Mil-Std 188-110C App D
– Spectra, Inc C2
– Grintek MHF-50
– New 10bd preset added to TEAC-KV7
– Additional data formats added to Saab/Grintek TR2400 parser
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Love doesn’t follow a single path, and neither does visual novel, Pivot of Hearts. Following a warmly received demo during Steam’s Visual Novel Fest, Pivot of Hearts will officially launch on May 21st for PC via Steam. Developed by Brazilian indie team Dragonroll Studio, the game invites players into a narrative that explores love, identity, and the many forms connection can take.
Discover how Pingubuy, a rising cross-border shopping agent, is reshaping international e-commerce amid the China-US trade war. Learn how it works, user experiences, and how it compares to Pingu Exchange.
The ongoing tariff war between the United States and China has reshaped the global economic landscape, giving rise to unforeseen trends and new market players.
As both countries vie for global economic dominance, their clash has opened new paths for international e-commerce, and among the most interesting outcomes is the emergence of platforms like Pingubuy, a Chinese-based purchasing agent service making waves in Southeast Asia and beyond.
This article dives deep into what Pingubuy is, how it works, user experiences, how it compares to other platforms like Pingu Exchange, and what this all means for global consumers and traders in 2025.
Pingubuy is an international shopping agent platform that allows users outside China—particularly from Southeast Asia—to purchase products from popular Chinese marketplaces such as Taobao, JD.com, 1688, and Tmall. The platform was launched in 2024 by Borui E-commerce Co., Ltd., with the goal of making Chinese e-commerce accessible to the global market, even when these platforms don’t natively support international transactions.
Pingubuy doesn’t sell products directly. Instead, it acts as a proxy buyer, helping customers overcome common cross-border e-commerce challenges like language barriers, complex logistics, payment method limitations, and lack of international shipping.
1. Find Your Product: Users search for items on Chinese platforms like Taobao or 1688.
2. Copy & Paste the Link: The product URL is pasted into Pingubuy’s interface.
3. Place the Order: Pingubuy translates the product page, calculates prices, and lets the buyer confirm.
4. First Payment: Users pay for the item and local shipping in China.
5. Warehouse Processing: The item arrives at Pingubuy’s warehouse, where it’s temporarily stored.
6. Second Payment: Buyers pay for international shipping and choose shipping options.
7. Receive Your Package: The consolidated package is delivered to the international address with real-time tracking.
Pingubuy offers a comprehensive set of services that cater to international shoppers:
1. Purchasing Agent: Pingubuy handles the entire ordering process, including communication with sellers and product translation.
2. Warehousing & Consolidation: Products from multiple orders are held at a Chinese warehouse and consolidated into one shipment, reducing costs.
3. Basic Quality Check: Each item undergoes a basic inspection to verify quantity and visible condition.
4. International Shipping: Multiple shipping methods are offered to over 200 countries, with real-time tracking and flexible pricing.
5. Language & Currency Support: Supports English, Indonesian, and other languages, with payments accepted in various local currencies.
6. Customer Support: Pingubuy offers live chat, an active Discord community, and a knowledge base of guides and FAQs.
7. Expert Buy Concierge: For those needing help choosing products or placing bulk orders, Pingubuy offers personalized assistance through “Expert Buy.”
1. Positive Feedback
– Fast International Shipping: Many users report receiving large packages within a week, even across continents.
– Affordability: Pingubuy’s shipping rates and service fees are often praised as lower than competitors.
– User Interface: Clean design, language options, and smooth navigation make the platform beginner-friendly.
– Customer Engagement: A responsive Discord community and support team help users with order issues or advice.
2. Criticism & Concerns
– Sizing Issues: Some users report inaccurate sizing, especially for footwear and clothing.
– Service Coverage Gaps: Limited availability in certain regions like Canada frustrates some users.
– Trust & Legitimacy Questions: Low trust scores on third-party verification sites raise concerns about transparency.
– No Crypto Payments: Currently, Pingubuy does not support payments via cryptocurrency.
While Pingubuy is focused on cross-border product purchases, Pingu Exchange operates in the crypto and forex trading space. Despite sharing the “Pingu” name, they serve entirely different user bases.
Pingu Exchange, built on the Arbitrum blockchain, is a decentralized, non-custodial platform for trading perpetual contracts in crypto and forex markets.
It supports:
1. Up to 100× leverage
2. Web3 wallet integration
3. Advanced trading tools (limit/market/stop orders)
4. Real yield for liquidity providers
Its meme coin, PENGU, launched on Solana, has attracted fans from the NFT and DeFi communities, building a tight-knit ecosystem that combines humor, utility, and speculative trading.
The answer depends on what you’re trying to do:
1. Use Pingubuy if:
– You want to buy fashion, gadgets, or household goods from Chinese marketplaces.
– You need help overcoming language, shipping, and payment hurdles.
2. Use Pingu Exchange if:
– You’re a seasoned crypto trader looking for decentralized, high-leverage opportunities.
– You want to stake crypto and earn real yield through fees.
Both Pingubuy and Pingu Exchange are products of a rapidly shifting global economy where decentralized finance, borderless commerce, and tech-savvy consumers are rewriting the rules. While Pingubuy democratizes access to Chinese products, Pingu Exchange pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized finance.
In the wake of the China-US trade war and the changing digital economy, platforms like these aren’t just alternatives—they represent the future of commerce and trade.
Whether you’re shopping for a panda plushie or trading ETH at 50× leverage, the tools are now in your hands. Choose wisely.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
April 27, 2025 —
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates, more investors are shifting from traditional mining operations to cloud-based solutions. In 2025, JAMining is redefining the industry standard by offering AI-powered cloud mining programs, allowing users to earn up to $9,500 daily without the need for expensive hardware or complex technical skills.
With minimal starting requirements—investment options beginning at just $100—and a platform built for both beginners and experienced miners, JAMining delivers a secure, flexible, and profitable alternative to conventional mining methods. The company’s latest initiative includes a $100 sign-up bonus for new users, further lowering the barriers to entry.
Cloud mining has rapidly gained traction as a cost-effective and scalable solution for mining cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC). JAMining is leading this evolution by offering:
AI-Optimized Mining Operations: JAMining’s advanced artificial intelligence algorithms continuously optimize mining performance, ensuring higher efficiency, maximizing profitability, and reducing energy consumption. This technology enables users to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding mining market.
Guaranteed Principal Return: Every JAMining investment plan ensures that the initial capital is returned to users upon contract completion, providing an added layer of financial security compared to traditional speculative investments.
Instant Withdrawal Capabilities: Users can access their mining profits immediately, enhancing liquidity and flexibility without delays or withdrawal restrictions.
Comprehensive Security Infrastructure: JAMining utilizes cutting-edge security measures, including encryption protocols and two-factor authentication (2FA), to safeguard user assets and sensitive data against cyber threats.
Flexible Investment Plans: JAMining offers a wide range of packages, from entry-level low-risk options to advanced high-yield mining contracts tailored for seasoned investors.
24/7 Customer Support: A dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any questions or technical issues, ensuring an uninterrupted and efficient mining experience.
For users seeking predictable returns,JAMiningprovides structured investment opportunities:
JAMining’s combination of regulated operations (licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA), technology-driven mining optimization, capital security, and instant access to profits offers a compelling solution for modern investors.
In an environment where cryptocurrency mining is becoming increasingly competitive and resource-intensive, JAMining’s model offers simplicity, profitability, and scalability—qualities that are crucial for both small-scale and institutional participants.
As more XRP holders and cryptocurrency enthusiasts look for safer and more profitable ways to grow their portfolios, JAMining stands at the forefront of the cloud mining revolution.
For more information or to start your mining journey today:
Company: JAMining
Website: https://jamining.com
Contact: info@jamining.com
Sign up today to claim your $100 bonus and begin mining smarter with JAMining.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
Explore the multifaceted identity of CK4444—from its roots in jazz history to its troubling ties with crypto speculation, scam websites, and cybersecurity threats. Stay informed and protected.
[Read more…] about What is CK4444? From Music History to Cybersecurity ConcernsThis press release has also been published on VRITIMES
XRP faces a pivotal moment as legal clarity, ETF momentum, and growing institutional interest converge. Discover how regulatory shifts and market trends could define XRP’s future in the evolving crypto landscape.
XRP, the Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency, is once again at the center of the digital asset conversation. It faces a storm of legal, regulatory, and market developments that may define its long-term future.
From courtroom battles to ETF speculation, and from macroeconomic shifts to surging investor activity, XRP finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.
In a recent turn of events, XRP was named as an unregistered security in a new lawsuit filed against Coinbase by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Alongside XRP, several other prominent tokens—such as ADA, AVAX, AAVE, UNI, FLOW, LINK, and MKR—were also targeted. This move drew criticism from the crypto community and Coinbase, which labeled the suit as “meritless” and an attempt at “regulation by enforcement.”
This development sparked confusion because XRP’s regulatory status had ostensibly been resolved in 2023 when a federal judge ruled that XRP was not a security when sold to retail investors. The SEC later dropped its appeal, especially following the departure of its former chair, Gary Gensler.
Optimism is now growing around the possibility of a final settlement in the Ripple-SEC lawsuit. With the recent confirmation of crypto-friendly Paul Atkins as the new SEC Chair, many anticipate that the agency’s tone will shift. Already, Ripple and the SEC have filed a joint motion to pause appeals in favor of settlement discussions, fueling speculation that a formal resolution—and the lifting of legal restrictions—could arrive imminently.
Amid the backdrop of legal clarity, XRP is rapidly emerging as a top candidate for a U.S. spot-based exchange-traded fund (ETF). According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, XRP is among the leading tokens in over 72 crypto-related ETF filings currently under review.
Notable players like Grayscale, Bitwise, WisdomTree, and even Fidelity have shown interest in launching XRP-backed products.
Earlier this month, Teucrium launched the first leveraged XRP ETF, the 2X XRP ETF, aiming to deliver double the daily price performance of XRP. Analysts suggest this could pave the way for an unlevered, spot-based ETF, potentially triggering large-scale institutional inflows.
Bill Morgan, a prominent pro-crypto legal analyst, noted a 67.5% spike in active XRP addresses just before Coinbase launched XRP derivatives—another critical signal of institutional and retail interest converging. Morgan emphasized that these futures are typically precursors to spot ETFs, offering a bridge between traditional finance and crypto without the complexities of direct custody.
On the technical front, XRP has experienced substantial growth. After surging more than 327% year-over-year—from $0.49 to recent highs around $2.30—the token briefly touched $2.3007 before pulling back to around $2.24.
Despite the short-term resistance at the $2.30 mark, bullish sentiment remains high. Trading volumes peaked at $5.92 billion, though they have slightly dipped to around $5.86 billion, indicating a potential consolidation phase.
Large transactions by XRP whales—over 650 million XRP in April alone—suggest that smart money is positioning for future gains. If accumulation continues, it could set the stage for the token to test higher resistance levels at $2.70, $3.00, and even $3.60, with some analysts projecting a target of $10 within 12 to 18 months under sustained bullish conditions.
XRP’s momentum is also being influenced by broader economic and political shifts. Remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump about reducing tariffs on Chinese imports and supporting a crypto-friendly regulatory approach have added fuel to the rally.
Trump Media’s plans to launch ETFs combining stocks and cryptocurrencies have further stoked speculation that XRP could be featured in these hybrid financial products—particularly as the token is set to play a role in the U.S. digital-asset reserve program.
Meanwhile, Fed policy remains a double-edged sword. While rate hikes have pressured risk assets in the short term, the expectation of eventual monetary easing is contributing to longer-term optimism.
Despite the clear signs of progress, the XRP community remains a mix of hopeful anticipation and impatience. Influencers like Edoardo Farina argue that many investors overlook tangible gains, focusing instead on unrealistic price targets. Analysts echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of long-term perspective and milestone recognition over short-term volatility.
Indeed, XRP is no longer the speculative bet it once was. With legal clouds lifting, ETFs on the horizon, and real-world use cases validated, XRP is transitioning into a mature, institutionally palatable asset.
XRP is now navigating one of the most consequential periods in its history. Legal clarity, renewed institutional interest, ETF momentum, and broader macroeconomic shifts are aligning in a way that could fundamentally alter its future.
Investors are advised to maintain a balanced view—recognizing the risks, but also appreciating the unprecedented opportunities. While the path ahead will not be without obstacles, XRP’s trajectory suggests that it may soon emerge not only as a survivor of regulatory scrutiny but as a leader in the next wave of digital finance.
With key catalysts in motion and strong foundations in place, XRP’s next chapter could very well be its most transformative.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
XRP enters a new era with legal clarity, ETF momentum, and institutional adoption on the horizon. Discover how SEC leadership changes and Ripple’s strategic moves are reshaping XRP’s future.
In a pivotal moment for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the broader cryptocurrency landscape, Paul Atkins officially assumed the role of SEC Chairman on Monday, April 21.
His appointment marks a significant leadership shift at the agency and could have profound implications for digital asset regulation, particularly for Ripple’s XRP token.
Atkins’ return to the SEC ushers in a potential policy pivot from the enforcement-heavy stance of his predecessor, Gary Gensler, toward a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach.
A former Chief Executive of Patomak Global Partners and non-executive chairman at BATS Global Markets, Atkins is widely recognized for his support of best practices in the digital asset industry.
With crypto-friendly Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda also on board, the SEC appears poised to consider dropping its appeal against the court ruling on Ripple’s Programmatic Sales of XRP.
Legal observers speculate that the SEC may have intentionally delayed the vote on the appeal until Atkins’ confirmation, potentially to align with the anticipated policy recalibration.
The legal cloud hanging over XRP may soon dissipate. A joint motion to pause the SEC’s appeal hints at a looming settlement. This outcome could finally liberate XRP from the regulatory ambiguity that has long hampered its institutional adoption.
If the court vacates the earlier judgment limiting XRP sales to institutional investors, and if the SEC formally withdraws its appeal, the Ripple case could officially close. Such an event would signal regulatory clarity, unlocking new opportunities for Ripple and potentially transforming the market perception of XRP.
Few events could elevate XRP’s market standing as significantly as the approval of a spot ETF.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas, a crypto ETF functions like a distribution breakthrough, similar to a song making it onto major streaming platforms.
“It doesn’t guarantee listens,” he noted, “but it puts your music where the vast majority of the listeners are.”
The ETF buzz has steadily grown louder. Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, and 21Shares have filed for XRP-spot ETFs, and the recent announcement from HashKey Capital adds fuel to the momentum.
HashKey is launching Asia’s first tracker fund for XRP—backed by Ripple as an early investor—which it hopes to evolve into a full-fledged ETF within two years, pending regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, market watchers continue to scrutinize BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, which has yet to file for an XRP ETF despite its success with Bitcoin and Ethereum funds.
XRP proponents speculate that BlackRock’s delay is strategic, hinging on XRP’s legal status. As one investor noted, “Why add risk when you’re dominating the two most proven crypto assets?”
XRP’s price action has mirrored the market’s shifting expectations. On April 21, XRP gained 0.39% to close at $2.0855, rebounding from a 0.43% dip the day before. The broader crypto market rallied 1.81%, lifting total capitalization to $2.7 trillion.
Trading volumes surged—up more than 69% in 24 hours to $2.34 billion—suggesting strong speculative interest and possibly early positioning ahead of a major catalyst. The token is currently trading at $2.1017, down 1.34% on the day.
Analysts are watching closely for a potential “golden cross,” a historically bullish technical pattern that could precede a move toward XRP’s all-time high of $3.55.
XRP’s resurgence coincides with broader market dynamics. Bitcoin has soared past $87,000, while gold has notched a new all-time high of $3,382—both indicators of investor unease with traditional monetary policy.
The weakening U.S. dollar, driven by speculation about leadership changes at the Federal Reserve, has made alternative assets like XRP more appealing.
The volume-to-market cap ratio for XRP now stands at 1.88%, underscoring not just price appreciation but meaningful investor engagement.
Beyond price action and legal battles, Ripple continues to expand its ecosystem. The XRP Ledger is central to Ripple’s $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm.
The move signals Ripple’s intent to integrate its blockchain into traditional finance infrastructure, particularly to support its upcoming U.S.-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for UK and Europe, confirmed that the XRP Ledger will be a key settlement layer in future cross-border financial applications—potentially increasing both utility and demand for XRP.
The convergence of legal clarity, ETF anticipation, and blockchain innovation sets the stage for a transformative period in XRP’s history.
With the Ripple lawsuit potentially nearing resolution and institutional interest on the rise, XRP could soon move from legal uncertainty to mainstream financial integration.
While BlackRock’s next move remains a wildcard, the groundwork for wider adoption is already in place. As Bloomberg’s James Seyffart put it, the ETF approval process may take time, but its probability is growing.
For now, XRP is no longer just a speculative asset—it is becoming a core player in the evolving financial landscape. And if the stars align in 2025, this could be the year XRP steps fully into the spotlight.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES