Are XRP ETFs About To Act Like Banks? Expert Thinks So

Generated by AI AgentJax MercerReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 8:45 am ET3min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

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ETFs have attracted $1.5B+ inflows as institutional investors increase holdings despite a 18.11% price decline.

- The proposed Clarity Act could reclassify XRP as a commodity, aligning it with

and under lighter regulatory oversight.

- In-kind ETF mechanisms enable direct XRP deposits, creating a regulated custody-like framework for institutional adoption.

- Regulatory clarity and structured redemption processes may narrow XRP's gap with major crypto assets, though volatility and enforcement risks persist.

XRP ETFs have seen a surge in demand despite ongoing technical weakness in the XRP/USD pair

. Recent data shows that cumulative inflows have exceeded $1.5 billion, with institutional investors consistently adding to their positions . This trend indicates growing confidence in as a long-term asset, despite a 18.11% drawdown over the past three months .

The regulatory landscape is also shifting, with the Clarity Act proposing changes that could treat XRP as a commodity under certain conditions

. This could reduce reporting burdens for tokens already backing U.S.-listed ETFs, placing XRP alongside and in a more favorable classification. Such a change would likely encourage more institutional participation .

In-kind creation and redemption processes allow investors to move XRP directly into ETFs, potentially treating the funds like custodial accounts

. This feature could offer a regulated and flexible way to hold XRP while retaining the ability to redeem tokens for cash or other assets. This mechanism is already being tested by some investors, suggesting a shift in how XRP is managed and stored .

How Could the Clarity Act Impact XRP's Regulatory Status?

The Clarity Act, currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate, may redefine the legal treatment of XRP and other tokens

. If passed, the bill could grant certain tokens lighter regulatory treatment if they back U.S.-listed ETFs. XRP is among the assets that could benefit from this change, moving closer to commodity status .

Under the proposed legislation, tokens must serve as the primary asset within a nationally listed ETF to qualify for lighter oversight. This would reduce disclosure requirements typically imposed on securities, which could open the door for broader institutional adoption of XRP

.

The bill does not reclassify tokens outright but instead provides a clearer regulatory pathway. This development is seen as a positive signal for XRP, especially as the token has already gained traction through ETFs. The Clarity Act may reinforce XRP's position as a legitimate asset for institutional portfolios

.

What Are the Implications for Investors?

For investors, the combination of in-kind ETF structures and potential regulatory clarity could transform how XRP is used

. Investors could deposit XRP into ETFs directly, receiving shares in return, which allows them to switch between token ownership and ETF shares with ease. This model offers a regulated way to store and manage XRP while retaining flexibility .

However, it is important to note that only authorized participants can make direct token deposits into in-kind ETFs

. Regular investors must buy and sell ETF shares on the open market. This distinction limits the extent to which the average investor can treat an ETF like a bank account, despite the regulatory clarity the Clarity Act may provide .

Despite these limitations, the appeal of XRP ETFs lies in their ability to provide exposure to a token with a lower regulatory risk profile. The Clarity Act could help close the regulatory gap between XRP and more established crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it more attractive to institutional investors

.

What Risks Remain for XRP ETF Investors?

While XRP ETFs offer a more traditional investment vehicle for crypto, they are not without risks. XRP/USD has experienced significant volatility, with a 18.11% drawdown in the last three months

. ETFs that track the token would likely experience similar price swings, and investors should be prepared for potential losses.

Regulatory risk also remains a factor. While XRP has cleared some key legal hurdles, the broader crypto regulatory environment is still evolving

. Any new enforcement actions could impact XRP ETF flows and market structure. Additionally, leveraged XRP ETFs amplify price volatility and introduce compounding drag in choppy markets .

Investors should also be cautious about alternative yield-generating strategies that promise unrealistic returns. Platforms like DogeStaking and Arc Miner offer high-yield claims that are difficult to verify and may pose significant financial risk

. These schemes should not be confused with the more regulated and transparent XRP ETF market.

What's Next for XRP ETFs?

The XRP ETF market is still in its early stages but shows strong potential. With cumulative inflows exceeding $1.5 billion and a growing number of ETF products, XRP is gaining traction in institutional portfolios

. The Clarity Act could further accelerate this trend by providing clearer regulatory guidelines.

Investors should monitor key developments, including ETF performance, regulatory updates, and market demand. While XRP ETFs offer a new way to manage exposure to the token, they should not be viewed as a substitute for direct crypto ownership. Rather, they represent a regulated and flexible investment vehicle that may appeal to a wide range of investors

.

As XRP ETFs continue to evolve, they may become an increasingly important part of the crypto investment landscape. However, investors must remain vigilant about risks, including market volatility, regulatory changes, and the limitations of ETF structures

.