XRP set for new all-time highs as ETF approval odds surge to 85%
The approval odds for a U.S.-based XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) have risen to 85%, leading analysts to predict new all-time highs for the altcoin in 2025.
This increase in approval odds follows a change in leadership at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has led to a more favorable outlook for cryptocurrency ETFs. Bloomberg senior ETF analysts have noted that five spot XRP ETFs, including those from Grayscale, 21Shares, WisdomTree, Bitwise, Canary, and Franklin Templeton, now have an 85% chance of approval. This is a significant improvement from their prediction over two months ago, which set the chances of an XRP approval in 2025 at 65%.
Technical analysis indicates that XRP is currently trading within a bullish “falling wedge” pattern, suggesting a potential breakout. If the price breaks above the upper trendline at $2.40, buyers could target $3.74 next, representing a 71% increase from the current price. The relative strength index (RSI) is above the midline, indicating that market conditions still favor the upside.
Several analysts remain optimistic about XRP’s ability to reach new all-time highs. Popular trader Dark Defender suggests that the ongoing correction is part of an Elliott Wave pattern that will eventually see XRP continue its climb. Another trader, Allincrypto, believes XRP is “heading to $19.27” based on a breakout from the falling wedge pattern.
Meanwhile, on April 29, the SEC postponed its decision on Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF, setting a new review deadline on June 17. The approval of these ETFs could unlock institutional capital, amplifying demand for XRP and marking a step toward mainstream adoption.
In summary, the combination of increased ETF approval odds, favorable technical indicators, and bullish analyst predictions suggests that XRP could reach new all-time highs in 2025.
Source: Cointelegraph
Ethereum R1 launches as token-free layer 2 to restore decentralization and censorship resistance
A group of independent developers within the Ethereum ecosystem has introduced Ethereum R1, a new layer-2 (L2) scaling solution that diverges from traditional L2 models. Unlike many existing L2 networks, Ethereum R1 operates without a native token, venture capital backing, or pre-mined token allocations. The project is entirely donation-funded and emphasizes decentralization, neutrality, and censorship resistance.
The developers behind Ethereum R1 have expressed concerns that many current L2 solutions resemble new layer-1 blockchains, characterized by private allocations, opaque governance, and centralized control. In contrast, Ethereum R1 aims to serve as a true scaling solution for Ethereum, acting as a commodity that is simple, replaceable, and free from centralized dependencies or risky governance.
This initiative comes in the wake of Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade in March 2024, which significantly reduced fees for L2 networks. By April 2025, transaction costs on Ethereum’s base layer had dropped to a five-year low of approximately $0.16 per transaction, leading to a 99% collapse in base layer revenue due to decreased demand for block space.
While some critics argue that the proliferation of L2 networks may incentivize growth at the expense of Ethereum’s base layer, proponents view this as a feature rather than a flaw. Anurag Arjun, co-founder of the unified chain abstraction solution Avail, suggests that Ethereum’s L2-centric approach offers users a virtually unlimited number of high-throughput chains, providing flexibility compared to the one-size-fits-all model of monolithic blockchain protocols.
Ethereum R1 represents a shift towards a more decentralized and community-driven approach to scaling Ethereum, challenging the current trajectory of L2 developments and advocating for solutions that align more closely with the original ethos of the Ethereum network.
Source: Cointelegraph
Worldcoin launches in U.S. with iris scans and Visa Card integration to power digital identity
Worldcoin, the biometric cryptocurrency initiative co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched in the United States, introducing its iris-scanning technology and associated digital identity system, World ID. The rollout includes installations in six major cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
At the core of Worldcoin’s system is the Orb, a spherical device that scans users’ irises to generate a unique, anonymous digital identity. Upon verification, users receive a World ID and are eligible to claim Worldcoin’s native cryptocurrency token, WLD. This ID can be used to authenticate identity across various platforms, including Telegram, Discord, Shopify, Minecraft, and Reddit.
In addition to the biometric verification, Worldcoin has partnered with Visa to launch a debit card that allows users to convert WLD tokens into fiat currency for everyday transactions. The World App, serving as the primary user platform, facilitates crypto transactions, messaging, and integration with mini-apps from companies like Stripe, Match Group, and Razer.
Despite its technological advancements, Worldcoin has faced scrutiny over data privacy concerns. Authorities in countries such as Spain, Argentina, Kenya, and Hong Kong have initiated investigations or imposed restrictions due to the project’s handling of biometric data. Nevertheless, Worldcoin asserts that its technology ensures user privacy and data security.
The U.S. launch signifies a significant step for Worldcoin, aiming to provide a reliable method of distinguishing humans from AI in an increasingly digital world. By combining biometric verification with cryptocurrency incentives, Worldcoin seeks to establish a global, decentralized identity system that could play a pivotal role in the future of online interactions and financial transactions.
Source: Altcoinbuzz.io