XRP Gets a Big Boost from Wall Street

Franklin Templeton, a prominent name in finance, has made a significant move into the XRP space. They recently launched the Franklin XRP Trust (XRPZ) on the NYSE Arca, allowing investors to gain exposure to XRP through a regulated product. This isn't the only ETF of its kind; other major players like Bitwise, Grayscale, and Canary Capital are already in the market.

A Familiar Face in Crypto

This isn't Franklin's first foray into cryptocurrency. They already offer ETFs for bitcoin (EZBC), ether (EZET), and a diversified digital asset fund (EZPZ). With the introduction of XRPZ, they are providing investors with yet another avenue to participate in the crypto market without the complexities of direct management.

Why XRP Matters

David Mann, Head of ETF Products at Franklin, emphasizes the importance of XRP. He describes it as a key component of the global settlement system, facilitating cross-border money transfers.

A Bumpy Road for XRP

XRP's journey hasn't been without challenges. In 2020, the SEC sued Ripple, the company behind XRP, alleging it was sold as an unregistered security. This led to many exchanges delisting XRP. However, the lawsuit concluded in August 2025, with Ripple agreeing to a $125 million settlement. While no wrongdoing was admitted, this resolution was a significant milestone for XRP.

A Positive Turn

Since then, XRP has seen a resurgence. Regulatory clarity is improving, and institutional interest is growing. Franklin's ETF is just one example of this trend.

Roger Bayston, Head of Digital Assets at Franklin, highlights XRP's role in driving blockchain innovation and aligning stakeholder interests. The ETF structure offers both institutional and retail investors an accessible way to invest, with daily pricing and SEC oversight.

Institutional Interest

Grayscale also launched an XRP ETF on the same day, signaling strong institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.