XRP ETF Talks Advance as BlackRock Meets SEC

The ongoing discussions around a potential XRP ETF gained fresh momentum as BlackRock met with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), continuing its exploration of digital asset integration. As XRP garners more attention in the crypto world, these developments signal a growing harmony between traditional finance and the evolving crypto ecosystem.

On May 9, BlackRock representatives joined the SEC’s Crypto Task Force in a strategic meeting aimed at shaping future digital asset solutions. Central to the discussion were topics such as incorporating staking mechanisms within crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) and leveraging the tokenization of traditional assets — both of which could reshape how financial assets are managed and traded in digital form.

During the session, BlackRock provided updates on its ever-growing cryptocurrency initiatives. These included well-known offerings like the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), and the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL). These products underline BlackRock’s ongoing commitment to the digital asset sector, and its engagement with the SEC highlights steps being taken to expand its footprint further into the crypto space, potentially including XRP.

One of the pivotal points raised in the meeting involved how staking would be handled from a regulatory perspective, especially concerning ETPs. Both entities examined how this functionality might be regulated under existing securities laws. Another cornerstone of the dialogue was the advancement of tokenized securities — assets that mirror conventional stocks or bonds but exist and operate on blockchain infrastructure.

The conversation extended into technical and legal considerations around crypto-based ETPs. Participants addressed the conditions required for ETP approval, suggested frameworks to temporarily guide issuers, and outlined key topics such as listing standards, respecting volatility limits, and maintaining liquidity thresholds for these innovative investment vehicles.

Speculation Grows Around Potential XRP ETF

Despite the robust discussions, BlackRock has yet to confirm intentions to launch a dedicated XRP ETF. At the end of 2024, Jay Jacobs, who heads BlackRock’s ETF division, indicated that the company was still prioritizing investment products related to Bitcoin and Ethereum. source

Nevertheless, market sentiment remains optimistic. Industry watchers and analysts continue to bet on an eventual XRP ETF filing, particularly as Ripple progresses toward resolving its legal conflict with the SEC. Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, has expressed confidence that BlackRock could enter the XRP ETF space once regulatory clarity improves. source

Further fueling anticipation, Franklin Templeton — an established asset manager with $1.5 trillion under management — recently submitted a proposal for an XRP ETF. Although the SEC has postponed its decision, this move demonstrates growing institutional interest and adds legitimacy to XRP’s evolving role in mainstream investment products. source

According to predictions from decentralized platform Polymarket, there is a strong 78% probability that an XRP ETF will be greenlit before the end of 2025. These forecasts have been consistent over recent days, ranging steadily between 77% and 79%. This consistency indicates solid investor confidence that regulatory pathways will eventually accommodate a spot XRP ETF.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

As BlackRock continues to collaborate with regulators and push the envelope in crypto product offerings, XRP stands at the brink of institutional acceptance. If momentum holds and legal challenges subside, the possibility of an XRP-backed ETF becoming a reality seems closer than ever.