U.Today presents the top three news stories over the past day.
XRP ETF from $1.4 trillion giant faces SEC delay
The SEC has postponed its decision on Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF filing. Initially, the agency was set to announce its decision on May 3, but the deadline was then formally extended to June 17. Currently, the SEC has pushed the review period into late July and is requesting public comments before making a final decision. However, the delay should not be viewed as a sign of disapproval but rather part of doing due diligence. Originally submitting its S-1 form in early March, Franklin Templeton is the biggest firm to file for a spot XRP ETF. Other large players that submitted their own competing XRP filings include Bitwise and 21Shares. Most expect the SEC to approve some spot-based altcoin ETFs by late 2025, with Polymarket bettors very optimistic about XRP ETF approval odds.
Major Spanish bank endorses Bitcoin
As recently reported by Reuters, BBVA, a leading Spanish banking institution, is advising its wealthy clients to invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Based on their risk tolerance, the clients are recommended to allocate from 3% to 7% of their portfolio in cryptocurrencies. Philippe Meyer, head of digital & blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland, said that they have started advising private customers on Bitcoin since September of last year. The move could be a game-changer for crypto, as it is one of the first major banks to actively encourage investing in cryptocurrencies rather than just tolerating them. BBVA, Spain’s largest bank alongside Santander, manages around $700 billion in assets and serves approximately 80 million customers worldwide. Most EU banks, about 95%, have yet to engage with cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase unveils new listing for Ethereum-based crypto assets
According to a recent announcement by Coinbase Assets X account, Coinbase is listing a new Ethereum-based token called Spark (SPK). The token is now available on Coinbase as well as the Coinbase iOS and Android mobile apps, with the “Experimental” label. The exchange also plans to support Spark perpetual futures on Coinbase International Exchange and Coinbase Advanced. The SPK-PERP markets opened today, June 19, 2025. This is not the only Ethereum-based token Coinbase added support for this month; the list also includes PancakeSwap (CAKE), Lagrange (LA) and Ethena (ENA). Ethena (ENA) is available on Coinbase and on the Coinbase iOS and Android apps, allowing users to buy, sell, convert, send, receive or store the crypto asset.
