XRP News Today: BlackRock to Skip XRP and Solana ETFs for Now Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset managers, has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to launch a spot ETF tied to XRP or Solana, despite growing interest in altcoin-based investment vehicles. The firm’s current focus remains on Bitcoin and Ethereum, where institutional demand is stronger. This decision, revealed through a recent report, has disappointed XRP and Solana supporters who view these assets as key to expanding crypto’s mainstream adoption [1].

BlackRock cited lower institutional demand for altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum as the primary reason for the delay, according to coverage by The Block. The firm’s approach underscores its cautious strategy of balancing investor interest with regulatory constraints. This move leaves other major asset managers—such as Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Invesco—advancing their own XRP and Solana ETF applications, giving them a competitive edge in the altcoin space [1].

Industry observers, however, suggest the delay may be temporary. Nate Geraci, President of ETF Store, forecasts that BlackRock could file for an XRP and Solana ETF by October 2025, assuming regulators provide clearer guidelines. This aligns with historical trends: when the SEC signaled openness to Bitcoin ETFs, major filings followed within months. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts estimate an 85% approval chance for an XRP ETF and 90% for a Solana ETF, should filings be submitted [1].

The U.S. SEC has yet to formally approve a spot ETF for altcoins, citing concerns over market surveillance, custody, and liquidity. Ripple’s partial legal victory against the SEC has improved XRP’s outlook, but no official regulatory green light has been given for altcoin-based ETFs. BlackRock, known for its strategic timing, may be waiting for a regulatory shift that makes approvals all but certain before moving forward [1].

JPMorgan research estimates that, if approved, XRP and Solana spot ETFs could attract up to $14 billion in inflows during the first year. This would likely create price momentum similar to the Bitcoin ETF launch earlier this year. Such inflows could also increase liquidity, reduce volatility, and attract a broader investor base for both tokens. Analysts project $6.2 billion in inflows for XRP and $7.8 billion for Solana, reflecting strong market confidence [1].

Current price trends for XRP and Solana remain positive. XRP trades between $3.10 and $3.20, with optimism driven by Ripple’s legal progress. Solana is holding between $142 and $156, supported by growing DeFi and NFT activity. The crypto community remains divided on the ETF delay—some see it as a buying opportunity, while others express frustration over the slow regulatory timeline [1].

Investor takeaways from this development include the importance of patience, as institutional players tend to move cautiously in new markets. Tracking the progress of competing firms and monitoring regulatory updates can provide valuable insights. Additionally, staying data-driven and focusing on filing status, approval odds, and institutional commentary will help investors navigate the evolving landscape [1].

The potential launch of a BlackRock XRP or Solana ETF could reshape the market dynamics for these tokens and accelerate the broader adoption of altcoin ETFs. While BlackRock remains focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum for now, the growing approval forecasts and investor demand suggest a shift could be on the horizon [1].

Source: [1] BlackRock XRP Solana ETF Delay Sparks Speculation Among Traders (https://thebitjournal.com/blackrock-xrp-solana-etf-delay-speculation/)