WisdomTree Takes First Step Toward Launching XRP ETF

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of traditional and digital asset markets, I find this latest development by WisdomTree to be an exciting step forward in the evolving crypto landscape. The registration of a trust for an XRP ETF is not only a testament to the growing maturity of the market but also a strategic move to cater to a broader investor base beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.


American investment company, WisdomTree, with more than $113 billion under management, has filed a trust in Delaware. This move signifies their initial action towards creating an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) based on Ripple‘s XRP digital currency.

The “WisdomTree XRP Fund” submission marks the first move towards introducing the ETF, however, it has not yet been accompanied by a formal application to the Securities and Exchange Commission. As reported by Eleanor Terrett, WisdomTree is anticipated to proceed with an S-1 filing with the SEC following this registration process.

An XRP ETF offers a method for investors to indirectly invest in XRP, which ranks as the sixth largest cryptocurrency by total market value, without having to personally hold the digital currency itself.

This action aligns with a wider development in the cryptocurrency sector, as companies are extending their Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) options beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have been leading the market up to now, to encompass additional digital assets.

In October, Bitwise submitted a proposal for an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) focused on XRP, while companies such as Canary Capital have applied for ETF approvals centered around assets including Solana, Litecoin, and HBAR.

An XRP ETF would track the price of XRP, providing both institutional and retail investors easier access to the digital asset. However, the road to approval remains uncertain due to the ongoing regulatory challenges surrounding XRP.

Ripple Corporation, creator of XRP, finds itself embroiled in a lengthy court case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This ongoing conflict revolves around whether XRP is classified as a security or not. A recent court judgment distinguished between institutional sales of XRP, labeled as securities, and retail sales, which were exempted from this classification. The SEC has since filed an appeal, prolonging the legal battle.

Even though there’s ongoing debate about the SEC’s current position on cryptocurrency, some speculate that it may become less stringent, potentially due to the possible resignation of SEC Chair Gary Gensler. If an XRP ETF is approved, it would open up a wider variety of investment options for cryptocurrencies, signaling increased institutional interest in digital assets, even amid regulatory uncertainties.

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2024-11-25 22:45