XRP's Long History and Established Financial Applications Key to Institutional Appeal

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says XRP's long history and established financial applications are key reasons why institutional investors are interested in the asset. Hougan calls XRP one of the major cryptocurrencies and notes that financial advisors recognize its connections to cross-currency transfers and liquidity. He explains that confidence in XRP's longevity doesn't imply its price will rise, but rather that advisors find assurance in its long track record and recognizable financial applications.

Hougan points to XRP's durability as a factor in its appeal, saying that it has an 'enormous track record and this enormous background that gives people confidence it will be there in the future.' He also notes that XRP's financial uses are familiar to advisors, who can understand its role in stablecoins, transfers between currencies, and liquidity.

The Bitwise CIO also mentions Ripple's bank charter efforts as a factor in XRP's appeal, citing the conditional approval granted by the OCC in December 2025. Hougan's comments frame advisor interest around confidence in the asset's longevity and connections to established financial functions.

According to Token Relations, XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) net assets had grown 80% during the third quarter to a record $1.77 billion. The total fell to approximately $1.69 billion after September 28 and $1.658 billion by October 2, when the funds recorded a $3.28 million outflow entirely from Bitwise.