A wave of anticipation is sweeping through the crypto community as institutional-level players appear to be lining up behind XRP, the native token of the XRP Ledger. During a recent informal meeting, a contact at BlackRock reportedly compared the coming moment for XRP to the 2013 upheaval around Bitcoin. Crypto commentator TheXRPguy relayed that BlackRock expects “big things” for XRP once a crucial institutional product launches.
Institutional Momentum
The filing tracker maintained by The Block reveals both live and pending XRP-linked ETFs. As of now, several spot XRP ETF applications remain “pending”, even as futures-based products trade. Recent regulatory filings by firms like 21Shares and Franklin Templeton include amendment sections such as Section 8(a) to trigger automatic review timelines.
I met my guy from blackrock today for a coffee and he said big things are coming for XRP once the ETFs are launched.
He said, it’s like bitcoin 2013
— TheXRPguy (@TheXRP_guy) November 8, 2025
Regulatory Background
The backdrop to this moment is the resolution of the long-running legal dispute between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs. That case concluded with Ripple paying a fine and both sides withdrawing appeals, thereby clearing a significant regulatory cloud over XRP. In turn, analysts now assess approval odds for a spot XRP ETF in the U.S. at the 70–85% range.
Liquidity and Market Impact
If a spot XRP ETF gains approval, its impact could mirror major prior moments in crypto. The product would allow regulated, brokerage-friendly exposure to XRP, potentially unlocking billions of dollars of institutional capital. An article claims that, based on filings, inflows could reach “several billions” in the initial months. Early listings and pricing behavior suggest that XRP has already logged increased volume and a breakout move above $2.30, tied to ETF filing momentum.
We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1
— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
Why the Comparison to Bitcoin 2013 Matters
In 2013, Bitcoin underwent a dramatic shift from niche to headline asset as investor access broadened and speculation surged. The BlackRock contact’s analogy implies that the forthcoming moment for XRP might likewise represent a shift from crypto-adjacent to mainstream finance. While mechanics differ—ETFs for altcoins differ from early speculative froth—the analogy underscores the scale of possible change in exposure and market architecture.
What to Watch Next
Key indicators now include the SEC’s formal review timelines (triggered by amendment filings), ticker approvals, and first-week fund inflows. Firms to monitor include Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, Grayscale, and other major asset managers. Traders and institutional watchers should also monitor order-book depth, custody provider activations, and whale accumulation.
In summary, the narrative passed through TheXRPguy adds nuance to an already unfolding institutional story. If the filings and regulatory windows align as many anticipate, XRP may face a watershed moment. Whether the surge truly matches the magnitude of Bitcoin’s 2013 episode remains uncertain—but the market is clearly bracing for something substantial.