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BlackRock’s $XRP ETF plan raises concerns about control, not true crypto adoption or freedom.
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Vandell warns BlackRock’s interest is profit-driven, not meant to benefit regular crypto users.
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Holding real $XRP gives full utility, ETFs only offer price exposure without blockchain access.
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$XRP ETF approval odds soared to 81% on Polymarket after BlackRock interest sparked hope.
BlackRock, the biggest asset manager in the world with over $11.6 trillion, now wants an $XRP ETF. At first, this might sound like great news for $XRP supporters. Vandell Aljarrah, the Co-founder of Black Swan Capitalist, says this move isn’t really about helping people use or invest in $XRP. He believes it’s more about control and making money for big financial players.
BlackRock’s $XRP ETF: Profit Over Access
Till now, nine giant firms have filed for an $XRP ETF, including Bitwise, 21Shares, Grayscale Volatility, and many more, though giants like BlackRock have yet to join the race.
Meanwhile, Vandell Aljarrah said that for those hoping that BlackRock’s $XRP ETF would open the floodgates to widespread crypto adoption, the reality might be disappointing. He says that BlackRock may not have good intentions.
BlackRock clearly wants an $XRP ETF.
— Vandell | Black Swan Capitalist (@vandell33) May 12, 2025
But before you celebrate & assume it’s a win for crypto, you need to understand.
This isn’t about democratizing access to $XRP or unlocking utility for investors.
It’s about control & profit.
(FYI) ETFs can be subtly manipulated.
When you… pic.twitter.com/hImPWfcjYt
He believes this move isn’t about giving everyone fair access to $XRP or helping investors use its full power. Instead, it’s more about control and profits.
Limited Utility with an $XRP ETF
The Co-founder breaks it down simply, holding native $XRP directly, you get more than just a price exposure. You can use it for remittances, liquidity provisioning, staking, smart contracts, and even hold and transfer it on your terms.
However, with an ETF, these real-world uses of $XRP are completely off-limits. You can’t move it, hold it yourself, or do anything meaningful on the blockchain. It becomes a price-watching game, not real participation.
$XRP ETF Approval Odds Surge to 81%
After news broke that BlackRock might be eyeing an $XRP ETF, bettors on Polymarket are feeling bullish. The chances of an $XRP ETF getting approved by the end of 2025 have now jumped to 81%.
Just a short while ago, those odds were sitting at 77%, showing how quickly sentiment is shifting. And when it comes to a possible approval before July 31, things are more divided. About 44% of bettors think it could happen by then, while the rest believe it may take longer.