On late November 13, the XRP price experienced a significant surge, momentarily jumping by 16% following a purported exchange-traded fund (ETF) filing by BlackRock, which quickly turned out to be fake.
The incident began when X (formerly Twitter) users shared a filing in Delaware suggesting that BlackRock, the global asset management giant, had registered the “iShares XRP Trust”. This action is typically a precursor to launching an ETF. Consequently, the XRP price soared to $0.75, a 16% increase, within just 25 minutes of the news breaking.
However, the excitement was short-lived. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas the filing as fake after direct communication with BlackRock representatives. Balchunas indicated that the XRP trust had been falsely listed on the Delaware website using the name of Daniel Schwieger, a managing director at BlackRock.
In a X post, Balchunas stated, “This is false! Confirmed by BlackRock by me. Some whacko must have added using BlackRock executive name etc. Cmon man. […] Some ppl questioning whether BlackRock actually confirmed to me this is false. They did. A spokesperson confirmed. If that’s not enough and you are still raging, then please seek medical help.”
Adding to this, Bloomberg’s James Seyffart on the rapid price fluctuation: “Round trip to below where it was before the fake pump. […] That was a quick […] Whoever did this better have covered their tracks because the feds will be looking into them I suspect.” Seyffart also clarified that while the XRP trust filing was fake, the Ethereum ETF filing is legitimate and confirmed.
Why The Odds Of A XRP ETF By BlackRock Were Slim
Scott Johnson, finance lawyer at Davis Polk why the XRP ETF by BlackRock had little chance to be true: “Would represent an aggressive posture from Blackrock given there’s currently no clear path for XRP to get 19b-4 approval here without a CME futures market / SSA. Not to say it can’t be done, but would require forging a new path.”
Jeremy Hogan, a renowned lawyer from the community, the simplicity of spoofing the formation of an ETF, highlighting its fraudulent nature and the ease of execution. Hogan elaborated that “it’s actually very easy and just costs $500. You only need to file two documents (attached), pay the money, and you get a ‘placeholder’ on the state website. ”
He also speculated that the perpetrator could have potentially capitalized on the price surge. “Criminal saw what happened with the ETH trust filing, files the XRP trust ‘filing,’ buys $100k XRP on leverage, sells at 74 cents, and pockets 2-3 million dollars,” Hogan speculated.
At press time, XRP traded at $0.6636 after briefly touching the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level.
XRP returns below the 0.5 Fib, 1-day chart | Source:
Featured image from Markus Winkler / Unsplash, chart from TradingView.com
Jake Simmons, a dedicated crypto journalist, has been passionate about Bitcoin since 2016 when he first learned about it. Through his extensive work with uniquehot.com and Bitcoinist.com, Jake has become a trusted voice in the crypto community, guiding newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike towards a deeper understanding of this dynamic field.
Read more
His mission is simple yet profound: to demystify Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies and make them accessible to everyone.
With a professional career in the Bitcoin and crypto scene that began right after graduating with a degree in Information Systems in 2017, Jake has immersed himself in the industry. Jake joined the NewsBTC Group in late 2022. His educational background provides him with the technical prowess and analytical skills necessary to dissect complex topics and present them in an understandable format. Whether you are a casual reader curious about Bitcoin or an investor seeking to navigate the latest market trends, Jake’s insights offer valuable perspectives that bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday usage.
Jake is not just a reporter on technological trends; he is a firm believer in the transformative potential of Bitcoin over traditional fiat currencies. To him, the current financial system is on the brink of chaos, propelled by unchecked government actions and flawed Keynesian economic policies. Drawing from the principles of the Austrian school of economics, Jake views Bitcoin not merely as a digital asset but as a crucial step towards rectifying a failing monetary system. His libertarian views reinforce his stance that just as the church was separated from the state, so too should money be freed from governmental control.
For Jake, Bitcoin represents more than just an investment; it's a peaceful revolution. He envisions a future where Bitcoin fosters a sustainable and responsible financial framework for generations to come. His advocacy is not about opposition but about evolution, about laying the groundwork for a system that prioritizes transparency and equity over secrecy and inequality.
As a journalist, Jake’s articles are crafted with the precision of a scholar and the passion of a true believer. He provides not only news but also thoughtful analysis that connects the dots between daily developments and larger economic theories. His work is a beacon for those lost in the technical jargon often associated with crypto discussions, illuminating the practical implications and benefits of these technologies.
In summary, Jake Simmons is not just reporting on a revolution; he wants to be part of it, fully committed to enhancing public understanding and adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. His work is more than just a collection of articles; it’s a resource, a guide, and a companion for anyone ready to explore the potential of this digital frontier. Whether you are taking your first steps into crypto or are a veteran looking to stay on top of the latest trends, Jake’s insights provide clarity and foresight in an often unpredictable industry. Join him on this journey to reshape the world of finance, one post at a time.
You can engage with his latest takes on Twitter: @realJakeSimmons.
Close
Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes
only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any
investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own
research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website
entirely at your own risk.
