Asset Manager Franklin Templeton Calls XRP Foundational for Settlement

Franklin Templeton is making its position on XRP unmistakably clear. The $1.7 trillion asset manager said XRP plays a “foundational role” in global settlement infrastructure. The statement came as the firm launched its new XRP ETF, XRPZ, on NYSE Arca this week. The comments have energized the XRP community and added more credibility to Ripple’s long-running vision for institutional adoption.

Roger Bayston, the Head of Digital Assets at Franklin Templeton, highlighted XRP’s role in decentralized networks and digital portfolio construction. He said digital tokens like XRP help bootstrap ecosystems, align stakeholders and support scalable settlement systems. According to him, XRP is not just a speculative asset. It is a structural building block.

New XRP ETF Strengthens Institutional Access

Franklin Templeton’s launch of XRPZ marks another major step in expanding regulated access to XRP. The ETF provides exposure without requiring investors to handle custody or manage private keys. It uses Coinbase Custody for safekeeping and BNY Mellon as fund administrator. These names give the product strong institutional backing.

The launch follows Grayscale’s uplisting of its own XRP product earlier this month. The category is growing quickly as investors look for regulated altcoin exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Early data shows XRPZ drew $89.3 million in inflows shortly after going live. Franklin Templeton expects demand to rise as institutions explore digital assets that support real-world financial activity. XRP fits that narrative because its core use case is global payment settlement.

XRP Positioned as a Settlement Layer for Global Finance

David Mann, another senior leader at the firm, said XRP aligns well with the needs of modern settlement systems. He pointed to its speed, low costs, and network design. Which allow near-instant movement of value. These features make XRP attractive for cross-border flows and enterprise infrastructure. The company’s messaging also echoes Ripple’s long-term vision. 

Ripple has spent years promoting XRP as a bridge asset for international payments. With support from a major asset manager. That thesis gains more visibility in mainstream finance. Franklin Templeton emphasized that blockchain networks are expanding far beyond speculative trading. They believe the next phase will rely on assets that support utility, settlement and decentralized coordination.

Community Reacts as Institutional Momentum Builds

News of Franklin Templeton’s endorsement spread quickly across social platforms. Specifically, many XRP supporters highlighted the firm’s choice of language. Especially its use of words like “foundational” and “infrastructure.” For a token that has often faced regulatory uncertainty, institutional praise carries extra weight.

The timing also fits broader market sentiment. XRP has seen rising ETF inflows, growing developer activity, and renewed interest from financial firms that explore blockchain-based settlement models. Specifically, analysts say Franklin Templeton’s public recognition could attract more institutions looking for practical digital assets. Currently, therefore, the message is clear. One of the world’s largest asset managers sees XRP as more than just another token. It sees it as a core component of the future financial system.