Table of Contents
BlackRock and the XRP ETF: Why 2026 is the Strategic Target The Rumor That Never Died
The journey of a BlackRock XRP ETF began as a whisper in November 2023 when a fake filing for the "iShares XRP Trust" sent shockwaves through the market. While it was a hoax then, the sheer market reaction proved one thing: the demand for an institutional XRP product is "insatiable."
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| XRP price spike November 2023 fake BlackRock filing analysis |
BlackRock’s "No-Brainer" Move
ETF expert Nate Geraci has been vocal about this transition. His prediction is simple: BlackRock cannot ignore two of the top non-stablecoin assets, Solana and XRP, for long. With Canary Capital’s XRPC ETF and others surpassing $1.15 billion in cumulative inflows by late 2025, the business case for BlackRock is now undeniable.
The 2026 Roadmap: Hiring for Scale
BlackRock isn't just watching; they are building. As of December 2025, the firm has opened over 54 digital asset positions globally, including a Vice President role specifically to scale the iShares digital asset ETP offering. This massive expansion into Singapore, London, and the US points toward a multi-product launch in 2026.
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| BlackRock digital asset job openings global distribution 2025 |
Why XRP Wins the Inflow War
While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw combined outflows of over $4.6 billion in late 2025, XRP ETFs maintained a month-long streak of consecutive net inflows. Institutional investors are pivoting toward XRP’s utility, especially with the SEC lawsuit hurdles officially cleared in 2025.
🔗 Also read: To understand how whales move, see our previous article on XRP Price Engineering and Institutional Liquidity Zones.
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| XRP ETF inflows vs Bitcoin and Ethereum outflows December 2025 |
Final Verdict: The FOMO of 2026
With analysts from Bitfinex and Sygnum predicting crypto ETF assets under management (AUM) could double to $400 billion by 2026, a BlackRock filing would be the ultimate catalyst. If they could reach $70 billion with Bitcoin in record time, imagine the explosion when the "XRP Army" meets the world's largest asset manager.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Has BlackRock officially filed for an XRP ETF?
As of late December 2025, BlackRock has not officially filed an S-1 for XRP. However, their massive hiring for "Digital Asset ETP" roles and the successful launch of other altcoin ETFs like Solana suggest they are preparing for a 2026 entry.
2. Why is 2026 considered the strategic target year?
2026 is expected to be the year of "institutional activation." With US crypto regulations (like the CLARITY Act) expected to mature and BlackRock’s internal infrastructure scaling up, analysts see 2026 as the prime window for new major filings.
3. How did XRP ETFs perform in 2025 compared to Bitcoin?
In a surprising decoupling, XRP ETFs recorded over $1.15 billion in net inflows by year-end 2025, even during weeks when Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs faced massive outflows, highlighting a shift in institutional interest toward XRP utility.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before trading.



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