Ripple News: Bitwise CIO Hints at Progress for XRP ETF Approval

The conversation around cryptocurrency Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) continues to surprise the crypto markets everyday, and this time, XRP seems to be at the center of attention. At the recent XRP Las Vegas event, Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, shared his opinion on how close the market might be to seeing an XRP ETF.

Investors Eager for More Than Just Bitcoin

Speaking at the event, Hougan explained how ETFs have become the go-to option for crypto-friendly investors looking for easy, regulated access to digital assets. So far, Bitcoin ETFs have led the way, but attention is now turning to other popular tokens like XRP and Solana.

When asked how soon these new ETFs could arrive, Hougan said he couldn’t comment on specific filings but quietly hinted the industry is making steady progress.

Signs of Progress at the SEC

Hougan said that several signs indicate things are moving in the right direction. Regulated futures trading is expanding, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is beginning to consider more innovative crypto products.

“We’re reaching the point in the timeline where the SEC will have to say yes or no,” Hougan explained, adding that he remains hopeful about big announcements this year.

Growing Institutional Demand for XRP

Another reason for his positive attitude is the rising interest from institutional investors. According to Hougan, many large investors already have exposure to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and financial risks. Now, they’re looking to broaden their portfolios and explore what other blockchain networks like XRP can offer — from stablecoins to tokenized assets.

“The demand for non-Bitcoin crypto investments is growing fast,” Hougan said. According to him, people are eager to see what else blockchain technology can do.

Final Word

While there’s no official approval yet, industry insiders like Matt Hougan believe it’s only a matter of time before XRP ETFs and other crypto investment products start gaining the green light. And if that happens, it could open the door for a new splash of institutional money flowing into the XRP market.