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Global asset manager Franklin Templeton, which oversees more than $1.7 trillion in assets, has recognized the core role of XRP in global payments.
This recognition coincides with Franklin’s official launch of its new XRP ETF (XRPZ) on Monday. The ETF aims to offer traditional market participants an accessible way to gain exposure to XRP without directly holding the token.
Franklin stated that because XRP enables fast, low-cost international payments, launching the ETF was a natural addition to its growing digital asset offerings.
Why Franklin Templeton Says XRP Is “Foundational”
In its announcement, Franklin Templeton emphasized XRP’s unique position within the digital payments landscape.
Roger Bayston, the firm’s Head of Digital Assets, said blockchain innovation is transforming global finance, and XRP adds a key incentive layer for decentralized networks. He explained that in a diversified digital portfolio, XRP acts as a core asset, offering proven utility, liquidity, and institutional-level transparency through the ETF.
Bayston also noted that XRPZ simplifies investing by managing the tokens directly while providing daily transparency, regulated custody, and liquidity.
David Mann, Head of ETF Product and Capital Markets, reinforced these views. He stated that XRP’s role in global settlement infrastructure makes it a compelling addition to Franklin’s lineup of digital asset ETFs.
XRPL’s Role in Global Payments and Settlement
Franklin Templeton highlighted that the XRP Ledger (XRPL), launched in 2012, is designed for payments, remittances, and tokenization.
The network can handle thousands of transactions per second and is already used by banks, payment providers, and fintechs for fast, cross-currency settlements. Its energy-efficient, low-cost design makes it one of the most practical blockchains for real-world finance.
This proven utility is why Franklin Templeton sees XRP as important for the growing global digital payments ecosystem.
$1.7tril asset manager Franklin Templeton says xrp “plays a foundational role in global settlement infrastructure”…
Will be highly interesting to see how world’s largest asset managers draw battle lines around various crypto assets.
BlackRock sitting out xrp ETFs, for example. pic.twitter.com/jG1q3ZyWcF
— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) November 25, 2025
ETF Structure, Custody, and Oversight
XRPZ is a grantor trust that holds actual XRP as its underlying asset. Daily NAV calculations are based on the fund’s holdings and the CME CF reference rate. The product incorporates institutional-grade partners, including Coinbase as XRP custodian and Bank of New York Mellon as administrator and cash custodian.
XRPZ now joins Franklin’s expanding set of U.S. digital asset ETPs, which already includes:
- Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
- Ethereum ETF (EZET)
- Crypto Index ETF (EZPZ)
Impressive First-Day Flow
Notably, XRPZ saw an impressive first-day launch, with $62.59 million in inflows. Other XRP ETFs that launched earlier this month also reported significant inflows by the end of Monday trading.
In particular:
- Grayscale’s GXRP saw $67.36 million in inflows
- Bitwise and Canary Capital registered $17.71 million and $16.38 million, respectively
Cumulatively, Monday saw $164 million in inflows into XRP, bringing total assets under management for XRP ETFs to $628.62 million.
