XRP News Today: BlackRock Confirms No XRP Holdings or ETF Plans Amid Persistent Speculation

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with over $9 trillion in assets under management, has not owned XRP, nor has it announced any plans to launch an XRP-backed exchange-traded fund (ETF), according to official statements and public records. This has been a source of persistent speculation, especially given the company’s recent forays into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs [1].

The interest in whether BlackRock owns XRP stems from the firm’s growing role in the digital asset market. Its successful launch of the iShares Bitcoin Trust and its application for an Ethereum ETF have raised expectations that it might expand its offerings to include other major cryptocurrencies. However, BlackRock has maintained a clear position: it has no intention of creating or investing in an XRP trust or ETF at this time. A company spokesperson explicitly denied any ownership of large XRP holdings, emphasizing that its current focus remains on Bitcoin and Ethereum [1].

This decision aligns with BlackRock’s broader strategy in the crypto space, which prioritizes assets with high liquidity and regulatory clarity. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, XRP continues to face regulatory uncertainty, particularly in the U.S. While the SEC recently closed its case against Ripple, the outcome left many questions about XRP’s regulatory status unanswered. BlackRock, which is known for its risk-averse and compliance-driven approach, has opted to stay out of the XRP market until these uncertainties are resolved [1].

Smaller asset managers have taken a different approach. Firms such as Bitwise, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Canary Capital have submitted applications for XRP ETFs, though none have yet received approval from the SEC. This divergence in strategy highlights the varying degrees of risk tolerance among institutional players in the crypto space [1].

Despite repeated denials, speculation about BlackRock’s potential involvement in XRP has persisted. Social media platforms have been a common source of such rumors, especially following Ripple’s legal victories. However, these claims have been largely unfounded, relying on unverified leaks or fabricated documents rather than official information. Analysts and media outlets have repeatedly debunked these rumors, noting the lack of credible evidence supporting them [1].

BlackRock has no known business relationship with Ripple, the company behind XRP. Executives have emphasized that their investment strategy is driven by client demand and regulatory clarity, both of which currently favor Bitcoin and Ethereum over XRP [1].

Institutional investors like BlackRock play a critical role in the cryptocurrency market, as their involvement can significantly influence market sentiment and asset adoption. Should BlackRock ever decide to invest in XRP or launch an ETF, it would likely have a substantial impact on the token’s price and stability. However, given the company’s current stance, such an event remains unlikely in the near term [1].

Source: [1] Does BlackRock Own XRP? (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68ad9d0192491e16ebd47914/)