XRP ETF speculation among crypto investors has intensified after XRP overtook BlackRock in global asset rankings, fueling industry-wide expectations that the financial giant may soon launch an exchange-traded fund based on XRP.

XRP Climbs Into Global Top 100 Assets

Over the past weekend, XRP experienced a notable surge, reaching a 7-day high of $3.12. This rally pushed its market capitalization to an impressive $185.18 billion, placing the token ahead of well-established institutions like BlackRock in terms of asset value.

Although XRP saw a slight dip to $2.98, its market value remains strong at approximately $178 billion. In comparison, BlackRock’s market capitalization stood around $177.8 billion despite its share price of $1,148. With this performance, XRP has secured its position among the top 100 assets globally.

Caption: XRP climbs the ranks to become one of the 100 largest assets globally by market cap.

Growing Belief in a Future XRP ETF

This historic achievement has ignited excitement within the XRP community. Influencer Zach Rector, prominent in the crypto space, shared his belief that BlackRock will inevitably launch an XRP-based ETF. He stated that it must be a surreal moment for BlackRock representatives to witness their firm being dethroned by a digital asset initially dismissed by many traditional financiers.

Rector’s prediction emphasized that as the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock is unlikely to ignore XRP’s growing relevance and investor interest. He also speculated that if BlackRock does introduce an XRP ETF, it could even outperform the company’s current Ethereum ETF, ETHA.

ETHA presently leads the Ethereum ETF market with over $12.15 billion in inflows, making it the top-performing Ethereum ETF globally. Given XRP’s new standing, some believe a similar product could match or surpass that performance.

Current Position of BlackRock on XRP

Despite increasing demand and predictions, BlackRock maintains its current stance against launching an XRP ETF. According to a recent statement from the firm, there are no immediate plans for a spot ETF tied to XRP. This lack of movement comes as more asset management firms in the U.S. explore the possibility of offering similar products.

Some analysts suggest this hesitancy may be due to lingering concerns over XRP’s regulatory status. However, regulatory tensions appear to be easing following the final resolution of the lengthy legal battle between Ripple and the SEC. With those legal matters settled, observers believe BlackRock could be re-evaluating its options.

Market Analysts Issue Caution for BlackRock

Industry experts such as Nate Geraci of NovaDius Wealth Management have warned that BlackRock might risk its dominance in the crypto ETF market by delaying entry into the XRP space. As more competitors prepare to launch their own offerings, BlackRock could lose first-mover advantages it enjoyed with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

Ultimately, the combination of XRP’s rising market cap, resolution of legal issues, and community enthusiasm may be too compelling to ignore, making a future XRP ETF from BlackRock increasingly plausible.