- BlackRock hasn’t filed for an XRP ETF due to lingering regulatory concerns and a strategic focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Experts believe the firm is waiting for full legal clarity and market demand before making a move to dominate the XRP ETF space.
With Ripple’s long-running legal battle with the SEC nearing its end, anticipation for an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) has soared. Yet, BlackRock — the financial giant that helped legitimize crypto ETFs — remains conspicuously quiet. Now, one market expert may have the answer.
In a viral series of X posts, crypto analyst All Things XRP revealed key insights into why BlackRock hasn’t filed for an XRP ETF, despite the booming interest.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Still Dominate the Stage
According to the expert, BlackRock’s current crypto ETF strategy is focused on proven winners. Its iShares Bitcoin Trust already commands over $30 billion in assets, while the recently launched Ethereum ETF hit $1 billion in just two months. With those numbers, it’s no surprise the firm is reluctant to venture into altcoins like XRP — at least for now.
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XRP Still Carries Legal Baggage
While Ripple and the SEC have agreed to drop their respective appeals, XRP’s legal status as a potential “security” remains unresolved. That lingering regulatory cloud could be a major red flag for an institution like BlackRock, which has historically waited for full clarity before diving in.
Strategic Patience Over First-Mover Risk
All Things XRP believes BlackRock is letting competitors like Grayscale and Franklin Templeton test the waters first. If those firms succeed in launching XRP ETFs and clearing legal hurdles, BlackRock can then move swiftly — and decisively — into the space with fewer risks.
Interestingly, a fake XRP ETF filing in 2023 that was wrongly attributed to BlackRock created market confusion and reputational risk, potentially reinforcing its cautious stance.
Will an XRP ETF Happen?
Experts say it’s not a matter of if, but when. Once regulatory uncertainty is removed and institutional demand grows, BlackRock may pounce — not just to join the party, but to dominate it. As All Things XRP puts it, “They won’t just participate — they’ll own the space.”
