The cryptocurrency landscape in the United States has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the first non-leveraged, U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to XRP futures. Trading under the ticker XRPI on the Nasdaq, the Volatility Shares XRP ETF marks a pivotal development for institutional and retail investors seeking regulated exposure to Ripple’s native digital asset.
This milestone follows growing interest in crypto-based financial products and comes on the heels of earlier launches like the Teucrium 2x Long XRP Daily Exchange Traded Notes (XXRP), which has already attracted over $121 million in assets under management since its debut in April. Analysts view this momentum as a strong indicator of market demand for XRP-linked investment vehicles.
How the XRPI ETF Works
The Volatility Shares XRP ETF is designed to track the performance of XRP futures contracts on a one-to-one basis. At least 80% of the fund’s assets will be allocated to XRP futures and shares of other XRP-linked exchange-traded products (ETPs). This structure allows investors to gain indirect exposure to XRP price movements without holding the digital asset directly—offering a familiar, SEC-regulated framework that aligns with traditional investment preferences.
The fund carries a net expense ratio of 0.94%, made possible through fee waivers that reduce the gross expense ratio of 1.15%. This competitive pricing positions XRPI as an accessible option for long-term investors looking to diversify into digital assets while remaining within the bounds of conventional brokerage accounts.
👉 Discover how regulated crypto investment products are reshaping the future of finance.
Growing Institutional Interest in XRP
XRP has long been one of the most widely discussed digital assets due to its use in cross-border payments and ongoing legal developments involving Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While the regulatory environment remains complex, the approval and successful launch of futures-based ETFs signal increasing comfort from regulators and financial institutions alike.
Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, noted that the strong asset inflows into XXRP serve as a “good signal that there will be demand” for additional XRP-linked funds like XRPI. The success of leveraged and non-leveraged products suggests that investor appetite extends beyond speculative trading into strategic portfolio allocation.
Moreover, the listing on Nasdaq—a major U.S. stock exchange—adds credibility and liquidity, enabling broader market participation. Brokerages can now offer XRP exposure through standard trading platforms, removing barriers for everyday investors who may be hesitant to use cryptocurrency exchanges.
Core Keywords and Market Relevance
Key terms shaping this development include XRP, futures ETF, Nasdaq, Volatility Shares, XRPI, crypto investment, regulated crypto products, and digital asset exposure. These keywords reflect both investor search intent and the evolving financial ecosystem where blockchain-based assets are being integrated into mainstream markets.
Natural integration of these terms helps ensure visibility across search engines while maintaining readability. For instance, investors searching for “how to invest in XRP legally” or “Nasdaq-listed XRP ETF” are likely to find this content highly relevant, especially given its focus on compliance, accessibility, and product structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the XRPI ETF?
A: XRPI is the first non-leveraged, U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund that tracks XRP futures contracts. It launched on Nasdaq and is managed by Volatility Shares, offering regulated exposure to XRP price movements.
Q: How does XRPI differ from holding XRP directly?
A: Unlike owning XRP on a crypto exchange, XRPI allows investors to gain exposure through a traditional brokerage account. It invests in futures and ETPs rather than the underlying asset, providing a regulated and tax-efficient structure.
Q: Is XRPI a leveraged fund?
A: No, XRPI is a 1x non-leveraged ETF. However, Volatility Shares plans to launch a 2x leveraged version, joining existing products like Teucrium’s XXRP.
Q: What fees does XRPI charge?
A: The fund has a net expense ratio of 0.94%, thanks to temporary fee waivers that lower the gross ratio from 1.15%. This makes it competitively priced among crypto-related ETFs.
Q: Can I buy XRPI through my regular brokerage?
A: Yes, since XRPI trades on Nasdaq under the ticker XRPI, it can be purchased through most major U.S. brokerage platforms that support stock and ETF trading.
Q: Does the launch of XRPI mean XRP is officially approved by the SEC?
A: Not directly. While futures-based ETFs can launch under current regulations without requiring approval of XRP as a security, the situation remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings between Ripple and the SEC.
👉 Learn how next-generation investment tools are making digital assets more accessible than ever.
The Road Ahead for XRP-Based Financial Products
The introduction of XRPI represents more than just a new ticker symbol—it reflects a broader trend toward institutional adoption of digital assets. As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure matures, more sophisticated products are expected to emerge, potentially including spot XRP ETFs if legal hurdles are resolved.
Volatility Shares’ move to also develop a 2x leveraged XRP futures ETF underscores confidence in sustained demand. Leveraged funds attract active traders seeking amplified returns (and risks), further deepening market liquidity and engagement.
Additionally, increased product availability may influence price dynamics and volatility patterns for XRP itself, as ETF flows become new indicators for market sentiment.
👉 Explore cutting-edge platforms where innovation meets regulated financial access.
Conclusion
The debut of the Volatility Shares XRP ETF (XRPI) on Nasdaq is a landmark event in the evolution of cryptocurrency investing. By offering regulated, transparent, and accessible exposure to XRP futures, it bridges traditional finance with the digital asset economy. With strong early signals from related products and growing investor interest, XRPI could pave the way for further innovation in crypto-backed financial instruments.
As the ecosystem continues to mature, investors should remain informed about both opportunities and risks—especially in light of ongoing regulatory discussions. But one thing is clear: XRP is no longer just a crypto asset; it’s becoming part of the mainstream financial conversation.