XRP is experiencing a notable divergence between its spot and futures markets. Spot buyers have ramped up activity while derivatives traders reduce leverage, according to recent data. Meanwhile, Ripple has secured full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization in Luxembourg, expanding its regulated footprint across Europe.
Spot Buyers Increase Activity While Futures Exposure Falls
CryptoQuant data reveals that XRP maintained its price near $1.14 despite a steady decline in open interest, which dropped from over $1 billion to approximately $823.8 million. This suggests traders are reducing leveraged positions rather than building larger futures bets. Meanwhile, XRP’s Spot Taker Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) showed strong taker-buy activity before returning to a more balanced level. Early spot buyers remained more aggressive than derivatives traders during the observed period.
Additionally, CEX Estimated Spot CVD improved from roughly negative $42 million to positive $406 million—an increase of about $448 million over two months, indicating steady spot demand despite weaker derivatives participation. In contrast, Futures Taker CVD remained weak to neutral throughout the same period, underscoring that futures traders did not match the buying strength seen in spot markets.
Binance data reflects the same trend. Binance Perpetual CVD declined from about negative $48 million to negative $783 million, showing continued selling pressure in perpetual contracts. Moreover, Binance open interest dropped from approximately $255 million to $203 million, further confirming that traders continue to reduce leveraged positions even as XRP holds relatively stable.
Ripple Expands European Regulatory Approval
Ripple announced that Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) granted the company a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the European Union’s MiCA framework. This approval allows Ripple to passport regulated crypto services across all 27 European Economic Area member states, thereby expanding its regulated digital asset services throughout the region.
Following its initial MiCA clearance in June, Ripple stated that the CASP license completes its authorization process under the European regulatory framework. The company also noted that the approval complements its existing European e-money license. Furthermore, Ripple indicated that these combined approvals support its cross-border payments business serving banks, financial institutions, and enterprise clients. The framework provides a regulated structure for crypto payment services across Europe, enabling wider adoption of XRP-powered payment products alongside its RLUSD stablecoin.
Commenting on the development, Ripple managing director for the UK and Europe, Cassie Craddock, said the company is now fully prepared to expand operations under the MiCA framework after completing the regulatory transition.
XRP ETFs Extend Inflow Streak
Institutional demand also remained steady during Ripple’s regulatory expansion. According to SoSoValue, XRP spot exchange-traded funds recorded eight consecutive weeks of net inflows, with cumulative net inflows reaching $1.49 billion. Although the funds recorded no new daily inflows on July 6, total assets under management remained near $1.05 billion, representing approximately 1.47% of XRP’s total market capitalization.
Meanwhile, crypto.news data shows XRP trading around $1.13 on Tuesday, down 1.1% over the previous 24 hours but remaining nearly 9% higher for the week. During the same period, Bitcoin maintained weekly gains exceeding 10% despite weakness in U.S. equities and rising oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Investors also continue monitoring developments surrounding the final version of the GENIUS Act, expected before July 18, while Ether traded near $1,800.
What’s Next?
XRP spot demand continues to strengthen as futures traders reduce leverage, creating a clear divergence between the two markets. Meanwhile, Ripple’s full MiCA approval in Luxembourg and XRP spot ETFs’ eight-week inflow streak reflect sustained institutional participation alongside the company’s regulatory expansion. Market participants will watch for further developments in both regulatory frameworks and price action.
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