Pundit Asks If XRP Is a ‘Nothing Burger,’ Why Is BlackRock at Ripple Swell
The Ripple Swell 2025 conference is sparking discussions around XRP's relevance, with institutions like BlackRock participating, challenging claims that XRP lacks utility. Crypto commentator Digital Outlook questioned XRP critics, highlighting BlackRock's involvement. BlackRock's Stein discussed tokenization trends, predicting long-term demand from current asset owners and early demand from investors seeking new financial tools. Speculation about an XRP ETF persists, though BlackRock denies immediate plans. The event emphasizes increasing institutional interest and the potential future of tokenization.
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Ripple Swell 2025 Conference Sparks Debate on XRP's Relevance
The ongoing Ripple Swell 2025 conference is stirring new conversations about XRP’s continued relevance, challenging critics who claim XRP has lost significance. This debate has been amplified by the impressive lineup of major institutions participating in the event. Amid the buzz, crypto commentator Digital Outlook questioned the skepticism surrounding XRP, writing on X:
“If XRP is a ‘nothing burger,’ why is BlackRock at Swell?”
Community members argue that growing institutional participation directly contradicts claims that XRP lacks a "real use case." As Digital Outlook summarized:
“Why are Treasury officials sitting front row? You don’t have to hear the handshake to know a deal just went down.”
Stein Highlights Tokenization Demand Over the Next Decade
During a panel session at the event, moderator Nikhilesh De posed a question about where demand for tokenization is likely to emerge over the next ten years. BlackRock’s Stein provided insights, explaining that the long-term market for tokenization will primarily originate from entities that already own traditional securities.
He emphasized that if the distinction between traditional and tokenized assets disappears, the existing base of asset owners will drive widespread adoption. However, in the near term, he noted the industry still needs to demonstrate the real utility of tokenization.
Stein identified two groups likely to drive early demand:
- Investors seeking new forms of access or exposure to assets beyond geographic barriers.
- Participants interested in new utility, such as performing financial functions currently limited to large institutions.
Stein suggested that showcasing these advantages through DeFi and tokenized platforms could generate the market momentum necessary to attract larger, traditional players over time.
XRP ETF Speculation Remains
Despite the excitement surrounding BlackRock’s involvement in the Ripple Swell 2025 conference, the firm has stated that it has no immediate plans for an XRP ETF. However, multiple issuers are updating their XRP ETF filings, aiming for a November launch.
Ripple’s conference, featuring major institutional leaders, continues to fuel speculation about the potential for an XRP ETF. While Stein’s comments did not confirm any specific product, his participation in the event has heightened expectations within the community.