In the fast-moving world of digital assets, staying ahead of the curve is a rare feat. Yet, some innovators don’t just follow trends—they set them. This week, Brazilian firm Hashdex has once again proven its leadership in the cryptocurrency ETF space by launching the world’s first spot XRP ETF, placing Brazil at the forefront of global crypto innovation.
Approved by Brazil’s securities regulator, the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM), the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Fundo de Índice marks a historic milestone. As the first exchange-traded fund to directly track XRP—without relying on futures or derivatives—it opens a regulated, accessible pathway for institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to one of the most widely used digital assets in global finance.
The fund is currently in its pre-operational phase, with Genial Investimentos serving as administrator. While an official launch date on B3, Brazil’s main stock exchange, hasn’t been confirmed yet, the groundwork is being laid to attract early investors and build initial capital.
👉 Discover how regulated crypto investment vehicles are reshaping global markets.
XRP: More Than Just a Cryptocurrency
XRP isn’t just another digital token—it’s a cornerstone of modern cross-border payments. As the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap—surpassing $150 billion—XRP powers the Ripple network, a U.S.-based fintech company revolutionizing international money transfers through blockchain technology.
Unlike many speculative crypto assets, XRP has real-world utility. It enables financial institutions to settle cross-border transactions in seconds, at a fraction of traditional costs. This practical application has fueled growing institutional interest, making XRP a natural candidate for regulated financial products like ETFs.
At a time when Bitcoin (BTC) is seeing modest gains and Solana (SOL) faces volatility, XRP has surged 11.20% in the past week (CoinMarketCap data), outperforming major peers. This momentum reflects renewed confidence in its regulatory clarity and long-term use case.
“XRP is a natural fit for an ETF due to its real-world utility, rising institutional demand, and substantial market capitalization,” says Silvio Pegado, Ripple’s Director for Latin America.
He adds: “After Brazil approved one of the world’s first Bitcoin ETFs in 2021, this green light for an XRP ETF reaffirms the country’s forward-thinking approach to crypto regulation and financial innovation.”
Ripple’s commitment to Brazil goes beyond ETFs. Recently, Brazilian firm Braza Group launched the BBRL stablecoin on the XRP Ledger, Ripple’s decentralized blockchain. This integration strengthens Brazil’s position as a testing ground for next-generation financial infrastructure built on open, efficient blockchains.
A Global Ripple Effect: What This Means for Crypto Markets
Brazil’s approval could be the catalyst for similar products worldwide. In the United States, major asset managers like Grayscale and Bitwise Asset Management have already filed applications for spot XRP ETFs. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to rule on these proposals by October 2025, with analysts estimating a 65% to 81% chance of approval.
A favorable regulatory environment in the U.S., particularly under potential shifts in SEC leadership, could accelerate resolution of Ripple’s ongoing legal challenges. A settlement or favorable ruling would remove long-standing uncertainty and unlock broader adoption of XRP across American financial institutions.
👉 Explore how regulatory clarity is driving the next wave of crypto adoption.
Hashdex: A Legacy of Crypto Innovation
Hashdex isn’t new to breaking barriers. Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 2018, the firm pioneered Brazil’s crypto ETF market and quickly became a dominant player across Latin America. In 2021, it launched one of the world’s earliest crypto ETFs, setting a benchmark for regulated digital asset investment.
Now, with the XRP ETF approval, Hashdex continues its mission of bridging traditional finance and decentralized technology. But that’s not all.
On the heels of this announcement, Hashdex unveiled FOMO11, another innovative ETF set to list on B3 starting April 2, 2025. This will be the company’s eighth crypto ETF on the exchange and part of a growing suite of over 10 crypto investment funds available across major Brazilian platforms.
What Sets FOMO11 Apart?
FOMO11 follows the Vinter Hashdex Risk Parity Momentum Index, a sophisticated strategy designed to balance risk and reward in volatile crypto markets. The fund invests in the top 12 cryptocurrencies by market cap, dynamically adjusting allocations based on price momentum—increasing exposure to assets showing strong upward trends.
This rules-based approach helps investors ride market waves while managing downside risk. With an administration fee of 2% and an expected initial share price of around R$30, FOMO11 aims to attract both novice and experienced investors looking for diversified, trend-following exposure.
The offering is being coordinated by Genial Institucional and Itaú BBA, two trusted names in Brazilian finance, signaling strong institutional backing and distribution strength.
Why This Moment Matters for Investors
The launch of the first XRP ETF represents more than a product launch—it's a signal of maturation in the crypto industry. Regulated ETFs offer:
- Transparency: Daily reporting and oversight by financial authorities.
- Accessibility: Available through traditional brokerage accounts.
- Security: Professional custody and compliance protocols.
- Liquidity: Real-time trading on established exchanges.
For investors hesitant about storing private keys or navigating crypto exchanges, ETFs provide a familiar, low-barrier entry point into digital assets.
Moreover, Brazil’s proactive stance positions it as a leader in emerging market fintech innovation—a model other countries may soon follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a spot XRP ETF?
A: A spot ETF holds actual XRP tokens as underlying assets, rather than futures contracts or derivatives. This provides direct exposure to XRP’s price movements with greater transparency and lower complexity.
Q: Is this the first XRP ETF globally?
A: Yes—the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Fundo de Índice is the world’s first spot XRP ETF approved for public trading, setting a global precedent.
Q: Can international investors buy into this ETF?
A: Yes, though access depends on local regulations and brokerage capabilities. Investors outside Brazil may need to use international trading platforms that support B3-listed securities.
Q: How does XRP differ from Bitcoin or Ethereum?
A: While BTC is primarily a store of value and ETH supports smart contracts, XRP is optimized for fast, low-cost cross-border payments—making it attractive to banks and payment providers.
Q: What are the risks of investing in an XRP ETF?
A: Key risks include regulatory uncertainty (especially in jurisdictions like the U.S.), market volatility, and concentration in a single asset. Diversification and due diligence are essential.
Q: Will there be more crypto ETFs from Hashdex?
A: Absolutely. With FOMO11 launching soon and multiple funds already active, Hashdex is expanding its suite of crypto-based financial products tailored to evolving market trends.
👉 See how next-generation ETFs are transforming crypto investing—get started today.
Final Thoughts: Brazil Leading the Charge
Brazil’s approval of the world’s first XRP ETF isn’t just a national achievement—it’s a global signal that regulated crypto finance is here to stay. With Hashdex pushing boundaries and Ripple expanding its real-world blockchain applications, the convergence of innovation and regulation is creating new opportunities for investors worldwide.
As other markets watch closely, one thing is clear: when it comes to crypto adoption, Brazil isn’t following the trend—it’s defining it.