Ripple CEO declares crypto ETFs the gateway to financial power

In a special “Crypto in One Minute” episode, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse spoke on the growing momentum of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) when answering, “Why are Crypto ETFs exciting?”

He described them as a new gateway to crypto markets, particularly for institutional investors. Garlinghouse emphasizes the ETF’s pivotal role in bridging traditional finance with the burgeoning crypto industry.

Ripple’s CEO argued that ETFs institutionalized the crypto industry

Speaking on Ripple’s “Crypto in One Minute” podcast episode, Garlinghouse explained two key reasons behind the increasing momentum for crypto ETFs. First, he claimed ETFs offered a direct trading option for institutional investors. Before these exchange-traded funds, investors could only trade through exchanges or self-custody, and ETFs changed that.

He commented, “This was really the first time you had institutions be able to go on Wall Street and trade directly in crypto.” 

He added that ETFs allow capital previously excluded to enter the market through a familiar and regulated structure, enabling institutional investors to avoid the complexities and risks of self-custody and centralized exchanges.

Second, he argued that ETFs are institutionalizing the crypto industry, changing perception among traditional investors. He even cited Bitcoin ETFs as evidence, hinting that investors view these crypto products as legitimate asset classes similar to gold ETFs.

So far, multiple institutions have submitted filings to the US Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), seeking approval for their XRP, Litecoin, Solana, and Dogecoin spot ETFs.

Many crypto analysts believe the SEC will most likely approve spot XRP ETFs next. According to Polymarket, traders are placing the probability of a Ripple spot XRP ERF being approved in 2025 at 83%.

CME’s head of crypto products, Giovanni Vicioso, agreed that interest in XRP has risen, adding that market participants are seeking regulated derivatives tied to a broader array of digital assets.

Garlinghouse’s comments are making the rounds on social media, with many lauding his ability to articulate how game-changing the crypto ETFs’ on-boarding of institutions could be.

These developments come as the crypto ETF market matures in a defining moment for embedding digital assets into traditional financial systems.

Volatility Shares introduced Ripple-backed XRP Futures ETF

Recently, Volatility Shares launched its XRP Futures ETF. According to their SEC filing on May 21, the ETF will indirectly invest in the future of the Ripple-linked token via its Cayman Islands subsidiary.

The new product, $XRPI, will also invest at least 80% of its net assets in XRP-linked instruments, including futures contracts traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Volatility Shares is preparing to release a 2x XRP futures ETF, designed to deliver twice the daily returns of XRP by providing double leveraged exposure to XRP futures. 

Teucrium already launched a 2X XRP ETF in April and trades roughly $35 million daily. Seeing Teucrium’s success, Balchunas believes there will be good demand for Volatility Shares 2X XRP ETF.

John Deaton argues Ripple executives could be excellent picks for a crypto Mount Rushmore

Lawyer John Deaton believes some of Ripple’s executives could make the cut for a crypto Mount Rushmore for their contributions to the crypto industry.

Deaton explained that Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb could be a perfect pick for the crypto Mount Rushmore for his efforts in creating XRP and the XRP ledger. Ripple CTO David Schwartz also caught the lawyer’s attention for his work in developing the XRP ledger and an early patent predating blockchain technology.

Deaton also mentioned Ripple CEO Brad GarlingHouse for launching the RLUSD stablecoin and acquiring Hidden Road.

Also on Deaton’s list were the anonymous Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. He argued that Buterin makes a list for introducing smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Deaton also named Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, Kraken CEO Jesse Powell, and Custodia Bank founder Caitlin Long as potential candidates.

Strategy CEO Michael Saylor is also in the running list for leading his company in building its Bitcoin reserve. So far, Strategy holds 576,230 BTC.

Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More