Summary
- Speculation mounts that BlackRock may launch a spot XRP ETF, fueled by reports of SEC meetings discussing crypto ETF standards.
- BlackRock denies involvement with XRP, citing unresolved SEC legal issues and confirming a prior "XRP Trust" filing was fraudulent.
- No official XRP ETF application exists; BlackRock remains focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs until regulatory clarity improves.
Rising Speculation Around a Potential XRP ETF
Recent rumors suggest BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) could be exploring a spot XRP ETF, following a May 2025 meeting with the SEC’s crypto task force. Discussions reportedly covered:
- Approval frameworks for crypto ETFs under Section 6(b) of the Exchange Act.
- Interim structures for exchange-traded product (ETP) issuers.
Despite the buzz, no official XRP ETF filing exists, and BlackRock has publicly prioritized Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) products. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock’s ETF head, emphasized in 2024:
"We’re focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs—clients are still adopting these. Launching altcoin ETFs isn’t a priority."
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Why BlackRock Avoids an XRP ETF
Regulatory Uncertainty:
- The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs (XRP’s issuer) remains unresolved, though recent settlements suggest progress.
- BlackRock typically avoids assets with legal gray areas.
Denial of XRP Involvement:
- The firm confirmed a viral 2023 "XRP Trust" filing was fake.
Market Priorities:
- Institutional demand for BTC and ETH ETFs still dominates; altcoins like XRP lack comparable traction.
Experts speculate BlackRock might reconsider if Ripple achieves full legal clarity.
XRP Price Outlook
As of May 2025, XRP trades at $2.54, reflecting:
- -2% (24-hour change).
- +20% (weekly gain).
An approved XRP ETF could:
- Trigger institutional inflows.
- Push XRP to new all-time highs.
FAQs
Q1: Has BlackRock filed for an XRP ETF?
A1: No. BlackRock has only applied for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs to date.
Q2: Why is XRP’s legal status a barrier?
A2: The SEC’s case against Ripple creates uncertainty, deterring large asset managers.
Q3: Could BlackRock launch an XRP ETF in the future?
A3: Possible—if Ripple settles its SEC case and regulatory hurdles clear.
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Key Takeaways
- BlackRock’s focus remains on BTC/ETH ETFs; XRP lacks regulatory green lights.
- Legal clarity is the critical factor for any future XRP ETF.
- Price volatility persists, but institutional interest could reshape XRP’s trajectory.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice.