WisdomTree Unveils Physical XRP ETP for European Investors

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The world of cryptocurrency investment continues to evolve with increasing institutional adoption, and WisdomTree is at the forefront of this transformation. The asset management firm has recently launched a physically backed exchange traded product (ETP) offering direct exposure to Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, XRP. This strategic expansion strengthens WisdomTree’s growing suite of digital asset solutions designed to meet rising investor demand for regulated, transparent, and cost-efficient crypto access.

Introducing the WisdomTree Physical XRP (XRPW)

The newly launched WisdomTree Physical XRP ETP, trading under the ticker XRPW, is now available on major European exchanges including Deutsche Börse, SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext Paris, and Euronext Amsterdam. With a competitive total expense ratio (TER) of just 0.50%, XRPW stands out as one of the most affordable routes to gain exposure to XRP in the region.

Unlike synthetic or futures-based products, XRPW is physically backed, meaning the underlying XRP tokens are securely held in custody. This structure provides investors with direct ownership-like exposure to the spot price of XRP, minimizing counterparty risk and enhancing transparency—a critical factor for both retail and institutional participants.

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The ETP tracks the Compass Crypto Reference Index XRP, a benchmark designed to reflect the real-time market value of XRP across major global exchanges. This ensures accurate and reliable performance alignment with the broader XRP market.

Why XRP? A Blockchain Built for Payments

XRP is an open-source, decentralized, and permissionless blockchain developed by Ripple Labs. Unlike proof-of-work blockchains such as Bitcoin, XRP operates on a unique consensus mechanism that enables near-instant transaction settlement—typically within 3 to 5 seconds—with minimal energy consumption.

This makes XRP a sustainable and scalable solution for cross-border payments, addressing long-standing inefficiencies in traditional financial systems. Financial institutions and payment providers around the world have explored or adopted Ripple’s technology to reduce costs, improve liquidity management, and accelerate international transfers.

As global remittance volumes continue to grow—projected to exceed $800 billion annually—assets like XRP are gaining attention as viable infrastructure-layer solutions within the modern financial ecosystem.

A Strategic Addition to WisdomTree’s Crypto Lineup

With the launch of XRPW, WisdomTree now offers nine physically backed cryptocurrency ETPs, collectively managing approximately $1.1 billion in assets under management (AUM). This positions the firm as a leading issuer in Europe’s rapidly expanding digital asset ETP market.

Alexis Marinof, Head of Europe at WisdomTree, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch:

“This new product complements our existing range of physically-backed cryptocurrency ETPs, giving investors another powerful tool to diversify their multi-asset portfolios. Cryptocurrency ETPs provide a regulated, efficient, and secure way to access digital assets—making them increasingly the preferred choice for mainstream investors.”

The introduction of XRPW underscores a broader trend: traditional finance (TradFi) institutions are embracing blockchain-based assets through regulated investment vehicles that align with compliance standards and investor protection norms.

Cost Efficiency That Stands Out

One of the most compelling aspects of XRPW is its low expense ratio of 0.50%, which significantly undercuts competing XRP ETPs in Europe:

By offering a product priced less than a third of some alternatives, WisdomTree enhances accessibility for cost-conscious investors while maintaining high standards in custody, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

This pricing advantage could accelerate capital inflows into the product, especially among advisors and institutions evaluating long-term exposure to digital assets within defined risk parameters.

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The Rise of Crypto ETPs in Europe

Exchange traded products have become a favored gateway for mainstream investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies. Their structure offers several advantages:

These features lower the barrier to entry compared to managing self-custody wallets or navigating unregulated crypto exchanges—a significant concern for many risk-averse investors.

Moreover, physically backed ETPs eliminate the complexities associated with futures contracts, such as roll yield and contango effects, providing a cleaner representation of spot market performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a physically backed crypto ETP?
A: A physically backed crypto ETP holds actual cryptocurrency assets in secure custody. The value of the ETP directly reflects the market price of the underlying asset, such as XRP, minus fees.

Q: How does XRP differ from Bitcoin?
A: While Bitcoin focuses on being a store of value, XRP is optimized for fast, low-cost cross-border payments. It settles transactions in seconds rather than minutes or hours and uses significantly less energy.

Q: Where can I trade the WisdomTree Physical XRP (XRPW)?
A: XRPW is listed on Deutsche Börse, SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext Paris, and Euronext Amsterdam.

Q: Is investing in a crypto ETP safer than buying crypto directly?
A: For many investors, yes. Crypto ETPs operate within regulated frameworks, offer transparency, and remove the need for private key management—reducing risks like theft or loss.

Q: Does WisdomTree offer other crypto ETPs?
A: Yes. WisdomTree currently manages eight other physically backed crypto ETPs, covering major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

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Looking Ahead: Institutional Adoption Gathers Pace

Beyond XRPW, WisdomTree has been actively expanding its innovative product suite. Recently, it launched a leveraged multi-asset ETF in Europe that provides enhanced exposure to a traditional 60/40 portfolio—showcasing its commitment to blending digital innovation with core investment strategies.

As regulatory clarity improves across jurisdictions and investor appetite grows, products like XRPW are likely to play a pivotal role in the ongoing convergence of traditional finance and decentralized technologies.

For investors seeking regulated, transparent, and cost-effective access to digital assets, the WisdomTree Physical XRP ETP represents a compelling option in today’s evolving financial landscape.

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