Financial advisors evaluating XRP find confidence in its long track record and recognizable financial applications, according to Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at crypto asset manager Bitwise. In an explanation shared in late September, Hougan outlined why the asset appeals to institutional investors.
Hougan characterized XRP as one of the "Mount Rushmore assets in crypto," positioning it among established major cryptocurrencies. He noted that financial advisors often question whether newer digital assets will persist over time, and that XRP's extensive history provides assurance on that front. "A lot of financial advisors look at crypto and wonder, are these things for real? Will they persist? Will they be here into the future?" Hougan said. "And XRP has this enormous track record and this enormous background that gives people confidence it will be there in the future."
Hougan emphasized that confidence in XRP's longevity differs from expectations about its price. Rather, advisors value the asset's durability alongside traditional investment holdings.
Real-World Financial Functions
Beyond its established history, Hougan pointed to XRP's connections to recognizable financial applications. He stated that the asset "fits into real-world applications that they can understand," citing stablecoins, cross-currency transfers, and liquidity provision.
Activity on the XRP Ledger, the blockchain whose native token is XRP, reflects these uses. Stablecoin supply and tokenization expanded on the network during 2026, demonstrating ongoing development of financial functions independent of token price movements.
Hougan also referenced Ripple's progress toward obtaining a bank charter. In December 2025, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted conditional approval for Ripple National Trust Bank, a development that advisors recognize as significant for the XRP community.
ETF Flows and Asset Changes
XRP exchange-traded funds have provided institutional investors with a familiar investment route. XRP ETF assets grew substantially in the third quarter, reaching a record $1.77 billion by September 25. U.S. spot products accumulated $1.791 billion in cumulative net inflows by October 2.
However, subsequent asset figures illustrated how capital flows can diverge from valuations as XRP's market price changes. XRP ETF assets declined after reaching their September peak, falling to approximately $1.69 billion after September 28 and $1.658 billion by October 2, when the funds recorded a $3.28 million outflow from Bitwise.
