1. Canada’s 3iQ Launches XRP-Focused ETF, Marks New Market Milestone
Canadian asset manager 3iQ has launched a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) exclusively focused on XRP, designed for North American investors. The 3iQ XRP ETF (XRPQ) began trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), offering regulated access to one of the crypto market’s largest digital assets.
Ripple Labs, the technology company behind the XRP Ledger and the cryptocurrency itself, announced its position as an early strategic investor in the fund. The listing ceremony was scheduled for this afternoon, with 3iQ management set to ring the TSX closing bell.
The inaugural ETF offers a compelling new investment vehicle with several unique characteristics:
- Industry-leading 0% management fee for the first six months
- Exclusive investment strategy focusing solely on long-term XRP positions
- Security through purchases from reputable exchanges and OTC platforms
- Industry-standard cold storage for all digital assets
ETF Architecture Details
The fund structure is designed to balance investor exposure with institutional-grade security:
| ETF Characteristics | Digital Asset Exposure |
|---|---|
| Primary Underlying Asset | XRPressential Digital Asset (a trust representing XRP) |
| Investment Methodology | Purchase from vetted OTC platforms and exchanges |
| Custody Security | Multi-signature cold storage arrangements |
| Fee Structure | Initial 0% management fee |
Executive Perspective
“The launch of XRPQ represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide institutional-grade access to digital assets within a clearly regulated framework,” said Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ.
“XRP has demonstrated significant growth potential over the past decade, and this new vehicle offers investors secure, diversified exposure through a traditional financial instrument,” St-Jean added.
Expanded Investor Access
The product opens the XRP asset class to traditional finance channels with several distribution options:
- Available through all registered Canadian investment accounts
- Extended access to qualified international investors subject to local regulations
- Ideal for investors seeking exposure to the fourth-largest digital asset by market capitalization
This expansion comes as institutional appetite for crypto continues to grow, particularly around products offering regulatory certainty and robust custody solutions.
3iQ is no stranger to blockchain-based ETFs: the firm has already established leadership in regulated access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and now both major altcoins.
Growing XRP Market Infrastructure
The launch occurs alongside other XRP-focused products entering the market:
- Purpose Investments’ spot XRP ETF, also trading on TSX
- Two proposed XRP ETFs by Franklin Templeton before Cboe
Industry analysts have closely watched Canada’s ETF approvals as a precursor to broader global acceptance of the digital asset. This trend follows the successful implementation of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs that have fundamentally reshaped institutional crypto participation.
Strategic Context
Ripple’s strategic investment in the fund appears to be part of a broader industry effort to bolster institutional confidence in XRP as a viable asset class:
“Market participants should note this reflects the maturing stage of XRP’s institutional journey,” said Jeffrey Friedman, a financial regulation expert. “The pace of institutional adoption has accelerated significantly over the course of 2024.”
