Canary Capital CEO Says BlackRock XRP ETF Likely to Launch Within the Year

▲ BlackRock, XRP

Following Bitcoin and Ethereum, XRP is now expected to join BlackRock’s spot ETF lineup, completing what some describe as the final piece in the institutionalization of digital assets.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet Bitcoinist, Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, said in a recent interview that there is a very high likelihood that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, will launch a spot XRP ETF by the second half of 2026. McClurg explained that given the current regulatory developments and rising institutional demand, BlackRock is likely to seek to replicate the success it achieved with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs in the XRP market.

McClurg noted that Canary Capital has already filed paperwork to launch a spot XRP ETF, indicating that the market has reached a critical level of maturity. In particular, the legal dispute between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple is moving toward a clear resolution, reducing regulatory uncertainty and serving as a key catalyst for large asset managers like BlackRock to enter the market. He added that BlackRock tends to enter markets once they are fully prepared, projecting that late 2026 could mark that moment.

The technological strengths of the XRP Ledger and its real-world payment utility were also cited as factors supporting the possibility of an ETF launch. Following the approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, institutions are now seeking assets with proven practical use cases, and XRP is considered one of the strongest candidates meeting that criterion. McClurg added that as BlackRock diversifies its asset offerings to strengthen market dominance, there is little reason for it to exclude XRP.

Market experts expect BlackRock’s participation to have a significant impact on XRP’s price. Just as BlackRock’s involvement in the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs triggered massive capital inflows and a price surge, XRP could similarly absorb liquidity from the traditional financial sector and enter a new bullish cycle. The approval status of early applicants, including Canary Capital, is likely to serve as a major turning point in determining the timing of BlackRock’s entry.

A spot XRP ETF is expected to become a symbolic milestone in the process of digital assets establishing themselves as core assets within mainstream financial markets. While the launch timeline may remain flexible depending on regulatory approvals and market readiness, the commitment of major asset managers to enter the space appears stronger than ever. Institutional investors are closely watching BlackRock’s official moves as they plan portfolio diversification strategies.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for investment reference only, and no responsibility is assumed for any investment losses resulting from reliance on it. The content should be interpreted solely for informational purposes.