Eseandre Mordi
● Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan recently said a spot XRP ETF would "easily become a billion-dollar fund within the first few months" of launching. His comments point to a strong appetite from institutional investors once U.S. regulators approve it—despite years of legal questions around Ripple and XRP's status.
● The proposed ETF would work like existing Bitcoin and Ethereum funds, giving investors direct access to XRP's spot market. But hurdles remain: possible SEC delays, custody approval issues, and lingering regulatory gray areas could slow things down. Some analysts worry that continued uncertainty might push liquidity overseas and drain talent from U.S. crypto firms.
● On the financial side, Hougan's prediction suggests a major capital influx that could energize the U.S. market and help offset past crypto tax losses. Industry voices argue that instead of piling on compliance costs or transaction taxes, lawmakers should look at lighter adjustments—like tweaks to profit tax rates—to keep innovation and revenue flowing.
● The XRP ETF discussion fits into Washington's broader push for digital asset legislation. Proposed changes around capital gains, stablecoins, and exchange rules could reshape the market's foundation. Experts say even small shifts in crypto profit taxes could impact hundreds of millions in tax revenue, showing just how much is at stake.
Eseandre Mordi
