The crypto market has been buzzing since the news came out that both Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have decided to drop their appeals in the five-year-long legal battle. While this phase is over, all eyes are now waiting for BlackRock’s XRP ETF filing.
Although BlackRock has not confirmed any such move as of yet, speculations are reaching new heights. The company’s entry into the XRP space could transform the whole Ripple ecosystem and may help it scale beyond its limits. Let’s explore why BlackRock’s XRP ETF move could be a defining moment in the history of Ripple’s native token.
Why BlackRock’s XRP ETF Filing Matters
BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world with more than $11 trillion in assets under management. When it entered the Bitcoin ETF space through its iShares Bitcoin Trust, it validated the entire crypto sector in the eyes of institutional investors, and the same may be the case for XRP.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s hint at the end of the SEC lawsuit drove the last nail in the coffin of XRP’s regulatory uncertainty. With that obstacle gone, BlackRock now has a clear runway to file. If that happens, it will not only legitimize XRP as an investable asset class but also signal that the altcoin era is entering a new phase of institutional acceptance.
According to ETF Store President Nate Geraci, the legal clarity achieved by Ripple’s settlement “clears the path” for a spot XRP ETF. He noted that, without the pending case, the SEC has no argument left to delay or reject ETF filings based on regulatory uncertainty. This alone gives ETF issuers, including BlackRock, the green signal they have been waiting for.
BlackRock’s Track Record: From Bitcoin to XRP?
BlackRock has already shown before how its entry makes a great impact. When it filed a Bitcoin ETF, it sent a new wave in the market with the BTC price climbing more than 63% in six months. The firm’s regulatory status and massive reputation gave investors confidence and opened the door to massive crypto adoption without directly holding digital assets.
Although BlackRock has previously shown reluctance toward altcoins due to a lack of legal clarity, that reasoning no longer holds water. Hence, if it applies the same BTC strategy to XRP, the impact could be seismic. Consider this:
- Market Confidence: Its filing would remove all doubts related to XRP’s long-term status.
- Increased Liquidity: A spot XRP ETF would lead billions of inflows from pension funds, hedge funds, traditional retail investors, etc.
- Price Movement: Experts believe that XRP could surge to a new all-time high if BlackRock steps in, mimicking the post-Bitcoin ETF rally. The targets pegged by analysts go as high as $100 but obviously that’s not realistic.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
The community is not speculating without basis. Recently, Bloomberg analysts increased the probability of a U.S. XRP ETF approval to over 95%. On the other hand, Polymarket, a top crypto prediction platform, predicts 83% chance of an XRP ETF being approved before the end of 2025.
These predictions have increased optimism that BlackRock could be preparing to enter the XRP space as soon as possible. While earlier rumors of BlackRock XRP ETF filings on June 2 turned out to be false, the current situation is different. With the legal issues close to resolution, the momentum is now real.
The Ripple Effect of BlackRock’s Filing
If BlackRock submits an XRP ETF filing, the following chain of events may be possible:
- Investor Access Explodes: XRP would be available to traditional brokerage accounts and retirement funds, no wallets or crypto exchanges needed.
- Institutional Inflows Surge: A regulated, compliant product gives risk-averse investors a way in and billions could flow into the asset within weeks.
- XRP Price Rally: Historically, ETF news, especially from giants like BlackRock, has caused significant price spikes. Analysts see XRP potentially crossing $4.00 or more in the wake of such a move.
- Altcoin Legitimacy Boost: A BlackRock XRP ETF would mark a turning point not just for XRP, but for altcoins in general. It would show that institutional finance is finally ready to diversify beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Still Speculation, But Closer Than Ever
Despite the strong case, it is important to note that BlackRock has not yet filed for an XRP ETF. The firm’s previous stance was rooted in regulatory caution. And while the lawsuit’s conclusion addresses that concern, no official filing has been made.
Past rumors from XRP Trust filings to speculation about trillion-dollar XRP investments have all fizzled out. So until something shows up in an SEC filing database, it’s wise to maintain cautious optimism.
Still, the current environment is fundamentally different. Legal clarity, growing market appetite, and the success of the 3iQ XRP ETF in Canada (which has already hit $32 million AUM) show that the demand is growing fast.
Final Verdict
With legal clarity and growing institutional interest, XRP stands at the brink of a major transformation. BlackRock’s entry into the space could be the biggest catalyst XRP has seen in years. From accessibility to legitimacy, liquidity to price action, a spot XRP ETF backed by BlackRock could unlock a new chapter not only for XRP but for the bigger altcoin market, paving the way for more altcoin ETFs, including Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), etc.
Also Read: Ripple vs. SEC: July 3 Next Big Date in XRP Lawsuit?
