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As interest in cryptocurrency ETFs continues to surge, a leading expert now believes BlackRock is preparing to expand its offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Nate Geraci, president of Novadius Wealth Management and host of the popular ETF Prime podcast, said during an August 6 episode of Thinking Crypto that BlackRock could be getting ready to file for both spot XRP and Solana ETFs.
The timing of Geraci’s remarks is significant. His comments came just a day before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple officially dropped their appeals in the long-standing XRP lawsuit, solidifying the 2023 court ruling that XRP sales on public exchanges do not constitute securities transactions. This regulatory clarity has boosted optimism about XRP’s future in the U.S. market.
BlackRock Likely Waiting for the Right Moment
While BlackRock has not yet filed for a spot XRP ETF, Geraci suggested that the absence of filings may be a strategic move. “We’re getting closer to the finish line, and they still haven’t filed,” he said, adding that BlackRock may be waiting for a formal regulatory framework before making a move. “They could swoop in at the last minute.”
According to Geraci, BlackRock’s current crypto offerings already position it as the dominant player in the ETF market. The firm manages the largest Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and has consistently shown interest in expanding its crypto footprint. Limiting their exposure to just Bitcoin and Ethereum would be inconsistent with BlackRock’s broader strategy of index-based exposure across diverse asset classes, he said.
XRP and Solana Fit BlackRock’s Broader Strategy
Geraci explained that BlackRock’s interest in launching new spot ETFs may not be about picking winners in the crypto space, but rather about giving investors access to a range of digital assets. “It would be premature to suggest that only Bitcoin and Ethereum are worth offering,” he noted, pointing to increasing investor demand for exposure to other blockchains such as XRP and Solana.
He emphasized that BlackRock’s primary motivation is profit—not necessarily the decentralization status or perceived trustworthiness of any individual asset. “They’re not in the business of making those kinds of calls,” Geraci said. Instead, decisions are based on what’s marketable and what has investor demand.
Demand for XRP Exposure on the Rise
According to Geraci, futures-based XRP and Solana ETFs have already seen decent demand. This growing interest indicates that spot versions of these products could be successful once regulatory and legal hurdles are cleared. “The appetite is clearly there,” he said, suggesting that investor enthusiasm could drive further institutional offerings.
This sentiment was echoed by the broader market. Following the SEC and Ripple’s joint decision to end their appeals in the XRP lawsuit on August 7, the token’s price jumped by over 10%. This rally was fueled by a sense of regulatory certainty, which investors hope will open the door to new financial products like spot ETFs.
Ripple Lawsuit Resolution Could Be a Catalyst
The conclusion of the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit could serve as a major catalyst for BlackRock and other asset managers considering XRP-based products. The case had been a significant source of uncertainty, but now that the ruling stands—declaring that XRP is not a security when sold on public exchanges—market confidence has improved.
This resolution could also encourage the SEC to develop clearer guidelines for other digital assets, potentially leading to a friendlier environment for spot crypto ETFs in general.
What Happens Next?
Although no official filing has been made yet, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on BlackRock. Given the firm’s market leadership and track record in the ETF space, a filing for a spot XRP ETF could have significant implications for both retail and institutional investors.
With increasing clarity around XRP’s legal status and growing demand for broader crypto exposure, many believe it’s only a matter of time before BlackRock makes its next move.
Whether the filing comes next week or later this year, experts like Nate Geraci believe it’s coming—and the market is preparing for the potential wave of institutional interest it could bring.
