Coinbase Files XRP Futures With CFTC Mark Cuban Endorses Bitcoin Amid Stock Market Decline Ripple CEO Invites Community to XRPL Apex 2025

Coinbase, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a significant update regarding XRP. On April 4, coinbase Institutional X account revealed that Coinbase Derivatives has filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to self-certify XRP futures. This move is aimed at providing a regulated and capital-efficient way for investors to gain exposure to one of the most liquid digital assets. The XRP futures contracts are expected to go live on April 21, 2025. These contracts will be monthly, cash-settled, and margined, with the symbol XRL. Each contract will reflect the price of XRP, be settled in USD, and represent 10,000 XRP. This initiative follows the introduction of similar XRP futures by Bitnomial in March, making Coinbase’s offering the second of its kind on the market.

Billionaire Mark Cuban has expressed a cautious endorsement of Bitcoin as a good investment during a time of stock market decline. In a recent exchange on X platform, Cuban wrote that in a time of stock market decline, companies may start buying back their own stock at lower prices. One of the commentators responded to this suggestion with "Bullish." Cuban, in turn, replied that while these buybacks will likely take place, Bitcoin is currently the best asset to invest in: "You will eventually be right. But btc is probably a better buy right now." This comment could be a hint that companies should be following Strategy’s suit of accumulating Bitcoin with spare cash; this tactic is already being adopted by Metaplanet in Japan.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has recently taken to X platform to invite the XRP community to join him at the upcoming XRPL Apex 2025 event in Singapore. Scheduled to take place on June 10-12, this annual blockchain conference attracts a large number of XRP enthusiasts and features prominent speakers from the industry. Along with Brad Garlinghouse himself, the list of keynote speakers includes Ripple CTO David Schwartz, Ripple President Monica Long and XRPL Commons President David Bchiri. The conference promises to be a major gathering for those interested in the future of XRP.

Coinbase's move to introduce XRP futures is a strategic step to expand its derivatives offerings and cater to the growing demand for regulated cryptocurrency products. This development is likely to attract more institutional investors who are looking for capital-efficient ways to gain exposure to digital assets. The introduction of XRP futures by Coinbase follows a similar move by Bitnomial, indicating a growing trend in the market for such products.

Ask Aime: What is the impact of Coinbase's XRP futures launch on the cryptocurrency market?

Mark Cuban's endorsement of Bitcoin as a better buy during a stock market decline highlights the increasing interest in cryptocurrencies as a hedge against market volatility. His comments suggest that companies may start accumulating Bitcoin with spare cash, following the example set by Metaplanet in Japan. This trend could lead to increased institutional investment in Bitcoin, further boosting its market position.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse's invitation to the XRPL Apex 2025 event in Singapore underscores the company's commitment to engaging with the XRP community and promoting the future of the digital asset. The conference, featuring prominent speakers from the industry, is expected to be a major gathering for those interested in the future of XRP. The event provides an opportunity for Ripple to showcase its latest developments and engage with key stakeholders in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.