BlackRock’s next move in the digital-asset ETF race remains a central question for both Wall Street and the crypto community, especially concerning XRP.
With rivals aggressively rolling out spot XRP ETFs, and Franklin Templeton publicly describing XRP as “foundational to global settlement infrastructure,” attention has once again shifted to whether the world’s largest asset manager will finally step into the XRP market in 2026.
So far, BlackRock has denied having any plans to file for a spot XRP ETF. Executives have emphasized that client demand remains heavily concentrated in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), and that expanding into additional assets requires clearer regulatory guardrails and demonstrable long-term demand.
In this case, BlackRock’s approach remains data-driven and risk-controlled, avoiding early moves into products where market signals are still forming.
That caution contrasts with industry momentum. For instance, in November, Franklin Templeton launched the Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ) on NYSE Arca, positioning the cryptocurrency as an institutional-grade asset central to global settlement networks.
Canary Capital, Grayscale, and Bitwise have also debuted spot XRP ETFs, attracting strong early inflows and signaling that investor appetite for regulated XRP exposure is deeper than previously assumed.
BlackRock’s absence is increasingly conspicuous, with some analysts believing the firm is waiting for proof of sustained demand; others say it remains wary of the token’s lingering regulatory overhang despite Ripple’s courtroom victories.
Impact on XRP price
If the current ETF cohort continues posting meaningful inflows through 2025, pressure may mount for BlackRock to enter the market in 2026 to avoid ceding long-term ground.
If BlackRock does launch an XRP ETF, the price impact would likely be significant. Historically, BlackRock-backed ETFs, such as its Bitcoin product, have triggered sharp liquidity inflows and upward price re-ratings due to the firm’s unmatched distribution network and institutional credibility.
A BlackRock XRP ETF would likely broaden XRP’s investor base, boost daily trading volumes, reduce perceived regulatory risk, and attract large allocators that currently avoid direct token exposure. Analysts suggest such a move could act as a major bullish catalyst, potentially driving a sustained repricing of the digital asset rather than a short-term speculative spike.
For now, a 2026 filing remains purely speculative.
XRP price analysis
As of press time, XRP price was trading at $2.17, up almost 5% in the past 24 hours but down about 1.7% over the past week.
XRP’s key task remains holding the $2 support level, as a drop below it could trigger further losses.
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