Bitwise to Rebrand XRP ETP as Ripple Invests in European Expansion Efforts

• Bitwise has announced a strategic rebranding of its European ETP portfolio, enhancing its footprint in the burgeoning European crypto market.

• This significant move comes on the heels of Ripple’s substantial investment in Bitwise’s XRP exchange-traded product (ETP), marking a pivotal collaboration as institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow.

• According to Bitwise co-founder Hunter Horsley, deploying institutional-grade products positions them at the forefront of the evolving financial landscape, particularly in crypto investments.

Bitwise rebrands its XRP ETP and partners with Ripple to enhance crypto investment accessibility in Europe, aiming for a significant market presence in 2024.

Bitwise XRP ETP Targets European Investors

The rebranded Bitwise Physical XRP ETP, which will continue to trade under the ticker GXRP, aims to provide European investors with a secure offering that is physically backed by the underlying asset, XRP. This initiative not only solidifies Bitwise’s market position but also caters to the increasing demand for regulated investment vehicles in the region.

In a recent press release, Hunter Horsley, co-founder and CEO of Bitwise, emphasized the significance of the XRP Ledger, stating, “XRP and the XRP Ledger are among the most familiar and trusted blockchains in the space.” This strong endorsement reflects the company’s commitment to reliability and security in their product offerings.

As part of a comprehensive expansion strategy, Bitwise’s rebranding effort will encompass its entire suite of European ETPs, which include notable products such as Bitcoin (BTCE) and Ethereum (ET32) ETPs. The company reported over $10 billion in total client assets in 2024, underscoring its rapid growth and intent to launch additional institutional-grade crypto ETPs.

Recent Milestones and Future Launches

Bitwise has been active in broadening its product portfolio. Recently, the company launched its first Aptos staking ETP on November 12, followed by an S-1 registration filing for an ETF linked to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) on November 26. These initiatives position Bitwise as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape, catering to a wider array of investor interest.

Ripple’s Strategic Investment in Bitwise

In addition to the rebranding, Ripple’s investment in the GXRP ETP marks a notable collaboration aimed at capitalizing on the growing appetite for crypto-backed financial products. Although the financial specifics of the investment were not disclosed, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed optimism about the burgeoning demand for such products globally, especially with regulatory clarity improving in the United States.

Garlinghouse stated, “With the US regulatory environment for crypto finally becoming more clear, this trend is poised to accelerate, further driving demand for crypto ETPs, such as the Bitwise Physical XRP ETP.” This statement reinforces the growing intersection of traditional finance and digital assets, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with innovation in the crypto space.

The Future of Crypto-backed Investment Vehicles

The collaboration between Ripple and Bitwise highlights a crucial trend in the finance sector, where institutional and retail investors increasingly seek accessible, regulated investment options in cryptocurrencies. As global regulatory environments evolve, the market expects a substantial increase in innovation around crypto-backed products, which could enhance liquidity and investor confidence.

Conclusion

The strategic rebranding of Bitwise’s European XRP ETP and Ripple’s investment signify a notable shift in the approach towards cryptocurrency investment products. The move is expected to resonate with European investors seeking reliable, physically-backed crypto options. As both companies push forward in 2024, their partnership illustrates the growing synergy between traditional finance and the emerging digital assets market, promising a dynamic landscape for investors.