- BlackRock has decided to refrain from launching an XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) amidst the ongoing SEC v. Ripple lawsuit, citing regulatory uncertainty.
- The legal battle and recent market decline in XRP underscore the industry’s cautious approach, awaiting clarity on the digital asset’s regulatory status.
BlackRock, the colossal asset management giant, has opted to stay clear of venturing into the volatile waters of an XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), as reported by Fox Business. The decision comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursues its lawsuit against Ripple, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the regulatory status of the digital asset.
Regulatory Ambiguity Surrounding XRP
Despite Judge Torres’ recent ruling that XRP is not an “investment contract,” positioning it outside the SEC’s definition of security, the regulatory landscape for XRP remains murky.
This ambiguity likely influenced BlackRock’s cautious stance on the prospect of an XRP ETF. Charles Gasparino, a Fox Business reporter, emphasized the unlikelihood of BlackRock supporting such an endeavor amidst the ongoing legal battle between the SEC and Ripple.
As the legal drama unfolds, XRP’s market price reflects the uncertainty, bleeding nearly 4% on the day and declining to $0.5291. The market, eagerly anticipating the launch of an XRP ETF after the SEC’s approval of a Bitcoin Spot ETF, now faces a setback with BlackRock’s hesitation.
SEC v. Ripple Lawsuit Developments
Ripple, embroiled in the SEC lawsuit, recently filed its response to the regulator’s motion to compel on January 20. This motion involves the SEC’s request for Ripple to disclose financial statements from 2022-2023 and post-complaint contracts governing XRP institutional sales.
Ripple’s legal team staunchly opposes the motion, arguing that the SEC had ample opportunity during the fact discovery phase to inquire about post-complaint conduct, rendering it irrelevant to the case.
What’s Next for SEC v. Ripple Lawsuit
The SEC’s pursuit of post-complaint conduct information indicates a desire to uncover whether Ripple continued non-compliance with securities laws after the initial charges were filed. Ripple contends that the SEC should not be permitted to reverse course, potentially leading to legal consequences for the payment remittance firm.
Awaiting Clarity
BlackRock’s decision to avoid involvement in an XRP ETF highlights the broader industry’s reluctance to navigate the uncertain regulatory environment surrounding Ripple’s legal battles.
As the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit unfolds, XRP holders and the broader crypto community eagerly await a resolution that could provide much-needed clarity on the regulatory status of XRP. Until then, the digital asset’s future remains in the hands of legal deliberations and regulatory developments.
