Summary
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Analyst Predicts BlackRock ETF Expansion: A leading ETF analyst anticipates BlackRock, the largest asset manager, will likely seek approval for both Solana and XRP ETFs, expanding their crypto investment product line.
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Conflicting Signals & Market Competition: Despite previous statements from BlackRock indicating a focus solely on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, industry experts believe competitive pressures will drive them to enter the growing market for Solana and XRP investment vehicles, joining other firms already vying for XRP ETF approvals.
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Regulatory Landscape & Approval Probabilities: The SEC is actively reviewing various Solana and XRP ETF applications; current market predictions suggest a slightly higher likelihood of Solana ETF approval by July compared to XRP, potentially influenced by ongoing regulatory clarity issues surrounding XRP.
Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, anticipates that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is poised to file applications for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) centered on both Solana and XRP.
This projection, shared by Geraci in a Friday post on X, suggests a Solana ETF filing may surface “any day now,” while an XRP ETF is expected to be initiated following a definitive conclusion to Ripple’s ongoing legal challenges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
BlackRock’s Competitive ETF Strategy Predicted
Highlighting BlackRock’s current market leadership in Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, Geraci posited that the firm is unlikely to concede ground to competitors in emerging crypto ETF markets.
He reasoned that BlackRock would resist allowing other firms to solely capitalize on ETFs for two of the top five cryptocurrencies (excluding stablecoins) and would actively seek to participate in these sectors.
Prior Public Statements from BlackRock Contrast Prediction
Counter to these expectations, BlackRock itself has not signaled any intentions to launch ETFs tied to XRP or Solana.
Over the preceding year, high-ranking BlackRock executives, including CEO Larry Fink, along with Jay Jacobs, Head of Active ETFs, and CIO Samara Cohen, have indicated the firm’s immediate ETF strategy is concentrated on existing Bitcoin and Ethereum offerings, not expansion.
In a December conversation with Bloomberg’s ETF specialist Eric Balchunas, Jay Jacobs emphasized that BlackRock was prioritizing its current Bitcoin and Ethereum investment vehicles, pointing out that client adoption was still nascent and their focus remained on these areas.
Rumor Debunked & SEC’s Current Stance on XRP ETFs
Speculation briefly emerged in January 2025 concerning a supposed iShares XRP Trust filing by BlackRock. However, this rumor was promptly refuted by Balchunas, who confirmed no XRP ETF filings had been submitted by BlackRock at that point.
Currently, the SEC has not approved any spot XRP ETF applications and has recently postponed decisions on submissions from companies like Grayscale.
However, industry observers such as Geraci remain optimistic that U.S. regulatory bodies will ultimately resolve Ripple’s SEC legal case, fostering a clearer regulatory environment.
SEC vs. Ripple Background and Possible Resolution
The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple commenced in December 2020. A pivotal court ruling in July 2023, presided over by Judge Analisa Torres, delivered a partial win for Ripple.
The ruling distinguished between direct XRP sales to institutional investors (classified as securities violations) and sales on public exchanges (deemed not to be securities transactions).
Under its previous leadership with Gary Gensler as chair, the SEC pursued an appeal of this decision, prolonging the legal uncertainty.
Since Gensler’s departure in January 2020, the SEC has since withdrawn legal actions against several crypto companies, including Coinbase, leading to increased optimism within the XRP community that a resolution with Ripple might be forthcoming, although the exact timing remains unclear.
Also Read: BlackRock’s Subtle Advantage in Strategy’s Bitcoin Pivot
*Disclaimer*: We at Bitcoinleef.com present you with the latest information in the crypto market. However, this information should not be regarded as financial advice and viewers should consult their financial advisors before investing.
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