The Race for the World’s First Spot XRP ETF Heats Up

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Purpose Investments Takes the Lead in Canada

Purpose Investments, a prominent Canadian asset manager, has taken a significant step by filing a preliminary prospectus to launch the world’s first spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the Toronto Stock Exchange. This move positions Canada ahead in a global race, as multiple companies in the United States have filed similar applications but have yet to receive approval. Game theory suggests that countries would compete to adopt cryptocurrencies first, aiming to gain a strategic advantage over major economies like the U.S. Whoever adopts Bitcoin first will have a first-mover advantage, as later adopters will drive up the value of the holdings of early movers.

In its official press release, Purpose Investments expressed confidence that Canada would be the first to approve an XRP ETF. The fund aims to hold long-term Ripple (XRP) assets and provide investors with a regulated and transparent avenue to gain exposure to XRP’s growth. According to Som Seif, CEO of Purpose Investments, “As XRP sees increasing adoption and institutional interest, we believe an ETF can offer investors a transparent and familiar way to access it within a regulated framework.”

This development is significant for investors as it marks a milestone in institutional adoption of XRP. If approved, the Purpose XRP ETF will establish a precedent for digital asset investment in North America, making XRP more accessible to both retail and institutional investors.

The U.S. Market: Grayscale Leads the Charge

While Purpose Investments spearheads the XRP ETF race in Canada, the United States remains a competitive battleground. Grayscale Investments, one of the largest digital asset managers, filed an application on January 30 to convert its existing XRP Trust into an ETF. The application was submitted to the New York Stock Exchange, with Coinbase Custody Trust Company designated as the official custodian.

Grayscale currently manages $16.1 million in XRP through its trust, compared to Purpose Investments’ planned fund, which is expected to be larger and more accessible to Canadian investors. If approved, the conversion into an ETF would significantly expand investor access. CEO Michael Sonnenshein emphasized the advantages of an XRP ETF, stating, “We believe that allowing shares of the Trust to list and trade on the Exchange as an ETF would provide investors with a way to invest in XRP on a regulated national securities exchange.”

Grayscale’s track record and influence in the crypto investment space make it a company to watch. Its involvement in pushing for regulatory approvals and pioneering crypto ETFs makes it a bellwether for institutional crypto adoption.

European Contenders: CoinShares Joins the Competition

Europe is also making moves in the XRP ETF race. CoinShares, a major European digital asset manager, filed its application in early January 2025, selecting XRP for its ETF due to its fast transaction speeds, increasing institutional adoption, and regulatory clarity compared to other digital assets. However, the firm has been notably reserved regarding details about where the ETF would be listed and how much XRP it plans to manage.

CoinShares’ entry into the XRP ETF space signals growing institutional interest in digital assets. With a track record of successfully launching Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products in Europe, CoinShares has demonstrated its ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and provide institutional investors with secure access to digital assets. Given its history of successfully launching crypto investment products, the company remains an important player for investors tracking global crypto ETF developments.

Bitwise Enters the Arena

Not to be left behind, Bitwise Asset Management also submitted an XRP ETF application around the same time as CoinShares. Bitwise is well known for its crypto index funds and aims to leverage its reputation to secure approval for its ETF.

While Bitwise has kept most details under wraps, its move into the XRP ETF space underscores its ambitions to dominate the regulated crypto investment sector. Investors should monitor Bitwise closely, as its expertise in indexing and fund structuring could give it an edge in regulatory approval processes.

The Regulatory Shift and Its Impact on XRP ETFs

The flurry of XRP ETF applications follows two major catalysts: Ripple’s legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Ripple’s legal win clarified XRP’s status as a non-security, removing a significant regulatory hurdle that had previously limited institutional investment. This development has encouraged asset managers to push forward with XRP ETF applications, expecting a smoother regulatory approval process.

With Gary Gensler stepping down as SEC chairman, Trump appointed Mark Uyeda as acting chair, with Paul Atkins—a well-known crypto advocate—expected to take over following Senate confirmation. This shift in leadership has fueled optimism within the crypto industry that the SEC will take a more favorable stance toward digital assets. Potential regulatory changes could include approving more crypto ETFs, providing clearer guidance on the classification of digital assets, and establishing a framework for institutional adoption, which could further accelerate mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies.

According to prediction market platform Polymarket, there is an 82% chance that the U.S. will approve at least one XRP ETF in 2025. This probability peaked at 89% following Trump’s inauguration but has slightly declined as the SEC continues reviewing applications. More than half of Polymarket participants predict the first approval will come by July 31, 2025.

Canada Poised to Take the Global Spotlight

While U.S. firms like Grayscale, CoinShares, and Bitwise are waiting on regulatory decisions, Purpose Investments could beat them to the finish line. If Canada grants approval first, it would solidify its status as a leading jurisdiction for crypto ETFs. This would also provide a significant advantage to Purpose Investments, attracting investors looking for an immediate, regulated way to gain XRP exposure.

Investors should closely monitor the ongoing developments in both Canada and the United States. A green light for any of these ETFs would mark a major milestone for XRP and the broader crypto investment landscape, potentially opening the floodgates for further institutional adoption.

Conclusion: The Future of XRP ETFs

The global competition to launch the first spot XRP ETF is intensifying. Purpose Investments is making swift moves in Canada, while major U.S. players like Grayscale, CoinShares, and Bitwise await regulatory clarity. With a pro-crypto shift in U.S. leadership and Ripple’s legal victory paving the way, the likelihood of an XRP ETF approval has never been higher.

For investors, this race presents significant opportunities. The approval of an XRP ETF would provide a new, regulated vehicle for digital asset investment, potentially driving increased institutional adoption and market liquidity. Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, which have already gained significant traction, an XRP ETF would offer investors exposure to a different digital asset with faster transaction speeds and lower costs. This could make XRP ETFs an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their crypto holdings beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. As Canada and the U.S. move closer to their decisions, market participants should stay alert for groundbreaking developments that could shape the future of XRP investment.

Lance Jepsen
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