Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has made a bold prediction, stating that he expects an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) to launch by 2025. In an interview with FOX Business, Garlinghouse expressed his confidence in the future of crypto ETFs, citing the growing interest in diverse crypto investments and regulatory shifts in the United States.
Garlinghouse believes that the introduction of ETFs for various cryptocurrencies, including Solana and Cardano, is inevitable as the market naturally progresses towards broader exposure. Drawing parallels to traditional commodities, he stated, “So, if you have exposure to gold, you might want exposure to silver, and so to me, it only makes sense.”
While acknowledging the potential challenges posed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Garlinghouse remained optimistic. He pointed out the inconsistency in the SEC’s approach towards Ethereum and suggested that the regulatory environment is shifting positively. However, he noted that other countries, such as the UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland, are ahead of the US in terms of their regulatory approach.
Garlinghouse also highlighted the political aspect influencing the crypto market, noting the growing interest from political figures. He believes that the Republicans are strategically approaching the topic and that it may become an election issue, which he sees as positive for the industry and driving momentum in the market.
However, experts suggest that for XRP to be available as a spot ETF, it may need to be available in its futures counterpart first. Similar to the regulatory approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs, which was based on confidence in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Bitcoin futures market’s ability to provide surveillance against fraud and market manipulation, getting a futures ETF for XRP would be a step in the right direction towards eventually earning a spot ETF.
Overall, Garlinghouse’s prediction of an XRP ETF by 2025 aligns with the growing interest in crypto ETFs and shifts in the regulatory landscape. However, regulatory challenges and the need for futures ETF approval may impact the timeline for XRP’s spot ETF availability.