Brazil has made history by approving the world’s first spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), marking a significant milestone for crypto adoption in Latin America. The Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund received regulatory clearance from Brazil’s Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) on February 19, making Brazil the first country to offer direct, regulated exposure to XRP through an ETF. This move comes as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to acknowledge XRP ETF filings but remains undecided on approvals.

Brazil Leads the Way While the U.S. Hesitates

The approval of the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund positions Brazil as a frontrunner in the global crypto investment landscape. The ETF is set to be listed on Brazil’s B3 exchange, although an official launch date has yet to be announced. Hashdex, a leading asset manager in Brazil, already offers various crypto ETFs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and sector-specific funds for DeFi, Web3, and the metaverse.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the SEC has acknowledged multiple XRP ETF filings from major asset managers, including WisdomTree, Canary Capital, CoinShares, and Grayscale. These filings will undergo a 21-day public comment period before the SEC’s lengthy review process begins, which could take up to 240 days. XRP’s price has responded positively to these developments, surging 7.5% on the day and currently trading at $2.71. Market optimism is growing as institutional access to XRP appears increasingly likely.

XRP Ledger Expands With a Brazilian Stablecoin

Parallel to the ETF approval, Brazil’s financial ecosystem is witnessing another major crypto development: the launch of a new stablecoin on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Braza Group, a key player in the country’s interbank market, has announced BBRL, a real-pegged stablecoin backed by Braza Bank. Initially available only to institutional clients, the bank plans to expand access to business-to-consumer (B2C) users by the end of 2025, aiming to capture 30% of Brazil’s stablecoin market.

The introduction of BBRL on XRPL signals a growing appetite for blockchain-based financial solutions in Brazil. Markus Infanger, Senior Vice President at RippleX, emphasized that this stablecoin launch opens doors for broader adoption across South America. Additionally, Braza Group is involved in the country’s central bank initiative, DREX, which explores asset tokenization and cross-border payments, hinting at a deeper integration of digital assets into Brazil’s financial sector.

A Turning Point for XRP Adoption?

Brazil’s regulatory green light for a spot XRP ETF and its embrace of an XRPL-based stablecoin signal a major shift in how institutional and retail investors access crypto assets. The country’s progressive stance on digital assets starkly contrasts with the U.S., where XRP remains entangled in legal uncertainty with the SEC.

The timing of the SEC’s acknowledgment of multiple XRP ETF filings is particularly significant, coinciding with increasing speculation around the future of XRP and Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the agency. Many analysts believe that once the SEC grants final approval for XRP ETFs in the U.S., institutional demand will skyrocket, potentially pushing XRP to new highs.

If the SEC eventually approves an XRP ETF in the U.S., it could unlock massive institutional demand and further solidify XRP’s role in global finance. Until then, Brazil has taken the lead, offering a blueprint for how nations can integrate crypto into their regulated financial markets. With both the XRP ETF and the BBRL stablecoin set to make waves, Brazil is positioning itself as a major hub for blockchain innovation.

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