BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with AUM of $11.6 trillion, has been leading the charge with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, but when it comes to XRP, they seem to be in no rush. Despite growing interest and the recent launch of institutional futures, BlackRock hasn’t filed for an XRP ETF.
So what’s holding them back? Let’s break it down.
1. Regulations Still Unclear
The biggest reason is regulatory uncertainty. Even though a U.S. court ruled that XRP isn’t a security when traded on exchanges, the SEC hasn’t fully accepted this. In fact, ETF decisions continue to be pushed further, some now expected in June or even October 2025.
BlackRock is known for playing it safe, they won’t file for an XRP ETF until regulators draw a clear line between securities and commodities in crypto.
As one X user smartly pointed out, clarity might only come once major legislation, like the Stablecoin Act, is passed.
2. Derivatives Market Still Growing
For big institutions, futures markets are a key tool for managing risk. While Bitcoin and Ethereum have mature futures markets with massive volume, XRP only just launched CME futures on May 19, 2025, with $19 million in first-day volume.
That’s a strong start, but not enough yet. BlackRock and others want to see more consistent trading volume over time.
3. Liquidity Still Needs to Grow
XRP has strong market depth, but for an ETF to function smoothly, it needs stable liquidity that can handle billions in inflows and outflows. Until XRP hits that level of maturity, ETF approval remains unlikely.
4. Focus on Winning Plays
BlackRock is currently focused on its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which are performing well. Rather than spreading its efforts thin, it’s doubling down on what’s working.
5. Strategic Timing Is Everything
Finally, it could all come down to timing. With XRP and Solana leading ETF application discussions, BlackRock might be waiting to see how the SEC handles current filings before joining the race.
It’s a waiting game for more demand, stronger liquidity, and a green light from regulators.
So, while XRP fans might be eager, BlackRock is playing the long game.
Gate Group, a world-leading player in crypto space, has officially announced that Gate Technology FZE (“Gate Dubai”), a part of Gate Group, has obtained a VASP License under the regulation and supervision of VARA in Dubai to provide exchange services and is permitted to serve institutional investors, qualified investors, and retail investors. This milestone marks another significant step forward in Gate Group’s global compliance strategy.
Dr. Han, Gate Group’s Founder and CEO, commented: “We have always adhered to a compliance-first strategy, and Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most forward-looking jurisdictions in the global crypto industry. Obtaining VARA’s full operational licence is a critical step in Gate Group‘s expansion across the Middle East and the world, and it underscores our long-term commitment to security, transparency and user protection. We look forward to growing alongside Dubai’s ecosystem and driving further prosperity in the local digital economy.”
Alongside securing the licence, Gate Dubai is accelerating the expansion of its local team and preparing for its official launch. The platform will allow users to initiate crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto and vice versa trades with other users as the counterparties to these transactions.
“We are committed to creating a compliant platform that blends global expertise with local characteristics,” said Gate’s Dubai Head. “In full respect of VARA’s regulatory framework, we will continue to deliver secure, efficient and professional services, injecting new vitality into Dubai’s digital-asset ecosystem.”
As a city where technological innovation and financial freedom converge, Dubai is rapidly emerging as a key hub for the crypto industry. Gate Group’s choice of Dubai as its Middle East launchpad reflects deep recognition of the region’s regulatory transparency, innovative drive and growth potential.
Gate Group’s compliance efforts and investments rank among industry leaders, with compliant presences in the Americas, Middle East, Europe and Asia. Various Gate entities have obtained or completed regulatory registrations, licences, authorizations, or approvals across various jurisdictions, such as Lithuania, Argentina, Malta, Italy, Gibraltar, Bahamas, and Hong Kong. Last year, Gate Group also completed the acquisition of Japan-licensed exchange Coin Master, further broadening its international compliance network.
Disclaimer: This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate Group may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more details, please read the applicable user agreement.
Earlier today, Israel launched a ‘pre-emptive strike’ on Tehran and declared a state of emergency. This rapid escalation of the conflict drove the crypto market into a freefall.
Over the past 24 hours, total liquidations amounted to $1.15 billion. Additionally, the overall market is down by 6.6%.
Crypto Market Plunges Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
According to CNN, Israel’s strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities, affecting dozens of locations. The attack reportedly eliminated Iran’s top military leaders and senior nuclear scientists. It was confirmed that General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed.
“Iran’s state television says Deputy Commander in Chief of all Armed Forces, General Gholam Ali Rashid, has been killed, along with nuclear scientist Fereydoon Abbasi,” The Kobeissi Letter posted.
To prepare for potential retaliation, Israel has declared a state of emergency, closing schools, banning gatherings, and mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers.
Furthermore, Iran is preparing a ‘lethal‘ response against Israel following the attacks. It has already appointed General Vahidi, the former head of the Quds Force, as the new commander of the IRGC.
Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has succeeded the late General Bagheri as the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Statement No. 1 of the General Staff of the Armed Forces
In the early hours of Friday, 23 Khordad (June 12), the Zionist regime carried out an aggressive and reckless attack on several areas of the country, including both civilian and military zones. This assault resulted in… pic.twitter.com/TyQtkxPMmU
The rising tension between the two nations has caused significant turbulence in the market. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell by 1.3%, S&P 500 futures dropped 1.4%, and Nasdaq 100 futures plunged by 1.6%.
Nine of the top ten coins saw losses over the past day. Bitcoin (BTC) nosedived from over $108,000 to $104,112. However, altcoins suffered the harshest blow.
Crypto Market Cap Post Israel’s Attack On Iran. Source: BeInCrypto
Solana (SOL) lost nearly 10% over the past day. Ethereum (ETH) trailed closely with a 9.3% downtick. Among the top 100 coins, Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) and Ethena (ENA) stood out for double-digit losses of 17.3% and 15.9%, respectively.
These declines forced 247,769 traders out of their positions over the past 24 hours. According to Coinglass data, $1.15 billion has been liquidated from the crypto market.
Bitcoin faced $427.75 million in long and $19.10 million in short liquidations. Ethereum followed with $244.74 million in long liquidations and $43.57 million in short liquidations, highlighting the scale of market turmoil.
Nonetheless, the conflict drove oil and gold up. Oil prices spiked by more than 10%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose to $74.99 per barrel, marking a 10.21% uptick.
The global benchmark Brent increased by 10.28% to $76.48 per barrel. Gold also gained 1.2% to reach $3,426.
Analysts Divided Over Israel-Iran Conflict’s Impact on Crypto
As Iran prepares for retaliatory actions, it’s clear that the impact will be felt across markets. Amid this volatility, the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin, has become a focal point of debate among analysts.
“Bitcoin’s failure to rise against gold—despite over 3.5 years of hype, including a dozen ETFs, Super Bowl ads, El Salvador, NFTs, tens of billions of leveraged buying by MSTR, other Bitcoin treasury companies, the election of a Bitcoin president, and the establishment of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve—is strong evidence that the bubble has peaked,” Schiff said.
Another analyst echoed his view, claiming that Bitcoin is not a safe haven but more akin to a tech stock.
“It is important to understand that Bitcoin shows its true colors as Israel attacks Iran. It is not an alternative-currency, it is not a safe haven, it is a risk asset, just like another tech stock, that will decline when the market goes to a risk-off posture,” the post read.
However, crypto advocate Anthony Pompliano maintained an optimistic outlook. Drawing parallels to an earlier incident when Iran launched 300 missiles at Israel, Pompliano noted that Bitcoin rebounded to outperform both oil and gold.
“Bitcoin ended up outperforming the other two over the first 48 hours in that situation. Will be interesting to see what happens here,” Pompliano stated.
Moreover, a recent BlackRock report revealed that while Bitcoin may underperform in the short term during geopolitical shocks, it has historically rallied double digits within 60 days post-crisis, outpacing gold and equities.
Despite immediate market jitters, this suggests a longer-term bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency. Still, the divide reflects broader uncertainties about Bitcoin’s maturity as an asset, with gold’s millennia-long stability pitted against Bitcoin’s 16-year track record. As markets stabilize, analysts will closely monitor price movements, with some betting on Bitcoin’s recovery and others clinging to gold’s proven reliability.
Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) facilitated $7.7 billion in stablecoin bridging volume in May, an all-time high and an 83.3% increase from April.
The firm launched its IPO last week, rejecting outright buyout efforts to remain an active player in the stablecoin market. This impressive growth can help demonstrate Circle’s progress and solid foundations.
This CCTP volume is especially relevant for Circle for another reason. Specifically, the total number of active stablecoin addresses also reached a new record last month: 33.1 million.
In a time when the total demand for stablecoins and utility solutions is only growing, Circle is working to present its payments ecosystem as an attractive option.
CCTP’s record growth could signal Circle’s long-term market potential, better enticing new capital investment. The stablecoin issuer already increased its IPO size today, setting a more ambitious target of $896 million.
While the number of active stablecoin addresses is rising, major investment banks are planning to substantially increase their presence in the industry.
In other words, Circle’s record CCTP growth comes at a useful time. USDC’s trading volume also broke records in April, and now the stablecoin’s utility protocols are surging, too.
Circle is intent on remaining an independent company and positioning itself as a strong contender in this sector. To do this, it will need positive metrics like CCTP’s volume to move the market.
