XRP ETF Filing: CEO Forecasts BlackRock’s Move

What to Know:

• Canary Capital CEO suggests BlackRock could file for a spot XRP ETF by late 2026 or early 2027.
• The decision hinges on sustained demand, market capitalization, and growing institutional interest in XRP.
• Rival firms like Franklin Templeton and Grayscale already offer XRP ETFs, putting pressure on BlackRock to act.

Speculation is mounting about when BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, might introduce a spot XRP ETF. According to Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg, the move could happen by late 2026 or early 2027, contingent on market conditions and institutional appetite. With competitors already offering XRP ETFs, the pressure is on BlackRock to expand its digital asset offerings.

Growing Competition Among ETF Giants

BlackRock is no longer the only major player eyeing the digital asset space. Franklin Templeton and Invesco have already made inroads, with Franklin offering an XRP ETF that has attracted substantial inflows. Other firms like Canary Capital, Bitwise, and Grayscale also have XRP ETF products, creating a competitive landscape that BlackRock cannot ignore.

With traditional firms increasingly active in crypto ETFs, BlackRock’s absence in the XRP market is becoming more conspicuous. As more institutional players enter the field, the rationale for BlackRock to launch its own XRP ETF grows stronger.

Demand and Market Size Are the Key Triggers

McClurg believes BlackRock’s decision will depend on sustained demand, a robust market capitalization, and increasing institutional interest. These were the same factors that paved the way for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Once these conditions are clearly met, an XRP ETF becomes a matter of timing rather than possibility.

Institutional conversations around XRP are intensifying, and with competing asset managers already making moves, patience is key. Given enough time, XRP will likely reach a point where a BlackRock ETF filing makes strategic sense.

BlackRock’s Criteria Before Filing an ETF

BlackRock has previously outlined the criteria it uses to evaluate new crypto ETFs. According to Robbie Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, the firm primarily assesses client demand, market capitalization, liquidity, maturity, and how the product fits into client portfolios. This evaluation process is both ongoing and cautious.

XRP is increasingly meeting these criteria. It is the fourth-largest non-stablecoin cryptocurrency with a significant market cap and has benefited from improved regulatory clarity following the SEC lawsuit resolution. These factors make XRP a more attractive candidate for an ETF.

Regulatory Landscape and Market Structure

The regulatory environment plays a crucial role in the viability of crypto ETFs. The partial resolution of the SEC lawsuit against Ripple has provided some regulatory clarity, making an XRP ETF more feasible. A well-defined regulatory posture is essential for attracting institutional investment and ensuring the long-term stability of the market.

Market structure, including liquidity and settlement systems, also influences the decision. XRP’s growing market capitalization and increasing liquidity make it a more viable candidate for an ETF, as these factors facilitate efficient trading and price discovery.

The Road Ahead for XRP ETFs

The introduction of a spot XRP ETF by a major player like BlackRock would be a significant milestone for the crypto market. It would provide institutional investors with a regulated and accessible way to gain exposure to XRP, potentially driving further adoption and price appreciation. While the timing remains uncertain, the conditions are gradually aligning for such a development.

The decision ultimately rests on BlackRock’s assessment of market demand and regulatory clarity. However, the growing competition among ETF providers and the increasing institutional interest in XRP suggest that a spot XRP ETF from BlackRock is a matter of when, not if.

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Source: Original article