Is there an XRP ETF Vanguard? — A practical guide

Quick answer: does Vanguard offer an XRP ETF?

Short bottom-line

Short bottom line: Vanguard did not offer a dedicated XRP ETF and had no public filing for one as of 2026, so there is no Vanguard-listed XRP ETF for U.S. investors to buy directly; Vanguard’s public guidance on cryptocurrencies shows its fund listings without an XRP ETF, and reporting on large managers echoes that absence Vanguard investor guidance page.

That bottom line reflects continuing regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. after court and regulatory actions related to XRP, which has affected whether a spot XRP ETF could be approved; those developments are discussed below and continue to shape filings and approvals SEC press release on related legal matters.

What this article will cover

This article gives a concise answer, explains how an XRP ETF differs from ETPs and buying the token directly, summarizes why Vanguard and similar large issuers have been cautious, lays out practical alternatives, and provides checklists and scenarios to help you choose based on custody, fees, and tax rules.

Use the sections to jump to the topic you need. If you want a quick decision framework, see the checklist section later in the article, or browse our crypto category.

What is an XRP ETF and how that differs from ETPs and buying XRP directly

ETF versus ETP: key structural differences

An ETF is a regulated fund listed on an exchange that holds assets or derivatives to track an index or commodity and typically follows rules that apply in the jurisdiction where it lists. An ETP is a broader term used in some markets, such as Europe and Switzerland, for exchange-traded products that can have different legal wrappers and sometimes different custody or issuance mechanics. For example, Europe- and Switzerland-listed products that provide XRP exposure are often described as ETPs and are regulated under local frameworks rather than U.S. ETF rules 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

For a U.S.-listed spot ETF to hold XRP directly, it would need to fit SEC rules and pass the agency’s approval processes. Where Europe or Switzerland authorizes ETPs that give XRP exposure, those products are not identical to a U.S. ETF in structure, custody, or regulation, so investors should treat them as distinct product types with different protections.

For a U.S.-listed spot ETF to hold XRP directly, it would need to fit SEC rules and pass the agency’s approval processes. Where Europe or Switzerland authorizes ETPs that give XRP exposure, those products are not identical to a U.S. ETF in structure, custody, or regulation, so investors should treat them as distinct product types with different protections.

How ETFs work for investors versus holding crypto on an exchange

Holding an ETF or ETP means you own a regulated security issued by the fund; you do not hold the underlying private keys for the crypto. That changes custody and counterparty risk because the issuer or custodian holds the asset on behalf of shareholders. By contrast, buying XRP on an exchange and holding it in a custodial wallet or self-custody wallet means you take on direct custody risks and control over private keys. Each route has trade-offs in convenience, custody control, and legal protections.

If your priority is direct control over funds and private keys, buying and self-custodying XRP is the available route in many jurisdictions. If you prefer a regulated product that looks like a stock on your brokerage platform, Europe- or Switzerland-listed ETPs provide that pathway, though they follow different rules than U.S. ETFs and are not Vanguard products 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Why Vanguard has not launched an XRP ETF

Vanguard public guidance and fund listings

Vanguard’s investor guidance on cryptocurrencies lists the firm’s public stance and fund coverage and does not include an XRP ETF or a public filing for one as of 2026, which indicates Vanguard had not launched a dedicated XRP product for its U.S. funds Vanguard investor guidance page.

Large fund managers watch regulatory precedent closely. Reporting from market coverage shows many large issuers have been cautious about filing for spot XRP ETFs while the SEC’s treatment of XRP remains distinct from Bitcoin and Ethereum in some regulatory filings and court contexts Reuters coverage of asset manager caution.

Product strategy at large fund firms is conditional on regulatory clarity, demand, and custody solutions. Managers often wait for a clear precedent or formal guidance that reduces legal uncertainty before launching a new spot crypto ETF.

How fund managers approach filing decisions

Fund issuers consider legal risk, operational custody arrangements, and whether a likely approval path exists before filing. When a crypto asset has unresolved regulatory classification issues, issuers can delay filing to avoid wasted costs or the reputational risk of a denied application. Market reporting notes that legal and regulatory uncertainty around XRP has been a factor in those decisions Reuters coverage.

Regulatory background: SEC v. Ripple and how it affects XRP ETF approvals

Key legal and regulatory points from SEC v. Ripple

The SEC v. Ripple litigation and subsequent regulatory dialogue created uncertainty about whether XRP is a security in particular contexts, and that uncertainty has complicated the regulatory path for a U.S. spot XRP ETF. The SEC’s public materials and updates show the agency has treated XRP differently than other cryptocurrencies in some circumstances, which has affected filings and approval considerations SEC press release on related legal matters.

Because ETF approvals depend on the SEC’s view about offering investor protections and clear market structure, unresolved questions from major litigation can make the agency more cautious when assessing a spot ETF application for a particular token.

How regulators treat XRP compared with Bitcoin and Ethereum for ETF filings

The SEC has allowed certain spot markets to move forward for Bitcoin and Ethereum in ways that left XRP’s path less certain, based on differing regulatory and legal findings in public proceedings. That divergence has been part of the reason why some issuers did not fast-track spot XRP ETF filings in the U.S. Bloomberg analysis.

Regulatory treatment matters because the SEC evaluates market surveillance, custody arrangements, and how tokens trade. When an asset faces legal questions about its classification, the SEC’s assessment and the practical ability to satisfy its listing standards can change.

Practical alternatives to a Vanguard XRP ETF and how to choose between them

Europe and Switzerland-listed ETPs

If you want regulated exchange exposure to XRP and you can access European or Swiss markets, ETPs that list XRP have been available starting in 2024 in those markets. These products are not U.S. ETF listings and represent different legal and custody arrangements from a Vanguard ETF 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Europe- and Switzerland-listed ETPs can be suitable for investors who want a security-like instrument accessible through brokerage platforms that support those exchanges, but they are subject to local regulation and may carry different fees and custody models than a U.S. ETF would.

Buying XRP on regulated exchanges

Another straightforward alternative is buying XRP directly on regulated cryptocurrency exchanges and holding it with a custodial provider or in self-custody. This path gives direct exposure, but it requires attention to custody, counterparty risk, and operational security practices Vanguard investor guidance page.

Direct purchase means you or your chosen custodian control the private keys or custody arrangements. That gives control to the investor but shifts responsibility for security and backup practices to you or the provider.

Diversified crypto funds that include XRP exposure

Some diversified crypto products offered by issuers outside the U.S. may include XRP as part of a broader basket. These funds differ by custody, expense structures, and disclosure. If a diversified fund includes XRP, its prospectus or product page should list weighting, custody arrangements, and fees so you can compare it with single-asset exposure and ETPs 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

When comparing a diversified fund to direct purchase or an ETP, focus on regulatory jurisdiction, transparency of holdings, custody model, and overall fee levels. These are the main factors that affect long-term costs and operational complexity.

Custody, fees, and tax considerations for holding XRP

Custody and counterparty risk

Custody choices determine which party bears the risk of loss, theft, or operational failure. Holding XRP yourself in self-custody gives you control but requires strong private key management. Using a custodian or an ETP shifts custody to the provider, which can reduce personal operational risk but introduces counterparty considerations and reliance on the provider’s security practices 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Evaluate custodians by asking about insurance, segregation of assets, auditing practices, and incident history, and remember that custody protections vary by jurisdiction and product type.

Fees and expense comparisons

Fees for XRP exposure can include trading commissions, spreads, custody fees, and for ETPs an ongoing expense ratio or management fee. Europe- and Switzerland-listed ETPs may have an expense structure that differs from what a U.S. ETF would charge, so compare total cost of ownership including trading and custody when evaluating options 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

When comparing alternatives, look beyond headline fees to consider trading liquidity, likely slippage on large orders, and any withdrawal or conversion costs that apply when moving between fiat and crypto.

Tax and reporting basics

In the U.S., XRP transactions generally follow virtual-currency tax guidance from the IRS, which treats many transactions as taxable events; selling XRP for fiat, trading one crypto for another, or using crypto to buy goods can create a reportable gain or loss under IRS rules IRS virtual-currency guidance.

Keep clear records of dates, cost basis, proceeds, and the purpose of each transaction. Tax rules can vary with jurisdiction, so confirm specifics with official guidance or a tax professional if you need tailored advice.

A simple checklist to compare XRP exposure options

Decision factors to score each option

Use a consistent checklist to compare offerings. Key items should include regulatory jurisdiction, custody model, total fees, tax treatment, liquidity, and issuer transparency. These criteria help you weigh safety, cost, and convenience when comparing exchanges, ETPs, and funds 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

When possible, rank items by impact. Regulatory jurisdiction and custody often have more long-term impact than a slightly lower fee. For example, a product in a stable regulatory regime with clear custody rules may be preferable even if it charges a modestly higher fee.

Sample comparison fields to use in your spreadsheet

Fields to include: product name, listing exchange, regulator, custody method, fee or expense ratio, trading liquidity, tax treatment notes, and issuer notes. Fill these columns for each candidate product so you can compare apples to apples.

Example scoring: give regulatory jurisdiction and custody each 25 points, fees 15 points, liquidity 15 points, and issuer transparency 20 points. Tally the score to see which option fits your profile for acceptable tradeoffs.

Common mistakes and risks readers make when seeking XRP exposure

Assuming regulatory stability

One common error is assuming the regulatory outlook is stable. Because of litigation and the SEC’s different treatment of XRP in some contexts, what looks settled can change; investors should expect the regulatory environment to evolve and monitor official sources SEC press release on related legal matters.

For that reason, avoid planning a strategy that requires regulatory certainty that does not yet exist. Instead, build flexibility into your approach and have contingency steps if product availability or legal treatment changes.

Neglecting custody security

Another frequent mistake is neglecting custody best practices. Using unvetted platforms or weak private key management increases the risk of loss. If you choose exchange custody, verify the provider’s controls; if you self-custody, use strong backups and established wallet practices 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Mitigations include using hardware wallets for long-term holdings, splitting keys or using multisig for larger balances, and confirming withdrawal and account recovery procedures with custodians.

Overlooking tax reporting

Failing to track transactional details is a common and costly mistake. The IRS treats many crypto transactions as taxable events, so not recording dates, basis, and proceeds can create problems later. Accurate records are essential for correct reporting IRS virtual-currency guidance.

If you trade frequently, consider exportable records or a simple spreadsheet to capture transaction-level detail and reduce end-of-year headaches.

Practical scenarios: three example investor profiles and suggested approaches

Conservative investor seeking regulated exposure

Profile: an investor who prioritizes regulation and oversight over direct custody. For this person, a Europe- or Switzerland-listed ETP (if accessible) can provide exchange-traded exposure without direct private key responsibility. These products, however, carry jurisdictional differences that matter for investor protection and tax treatment 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Action steps: verify you can access the exchange through your broker, review the ETP’s custody arrangements and fees, and track tax implications for cross-border holdings.

Experienced crypto investor focused on custody control

Profile: an investor comfortable with wallets, private keys, and direct custody. For this profile, buying XRP on a regulated exchange and self-custodying in hardware wallets or multisig setups gives direct control and immediate use of the asset, but it requires disciplined security hygiene and careful record-keeping Vanguard investor guidance page.

Action steps: use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings, split backup keys, use reputable custodial services only after due diligence, and maintain transaction logs for tax reporting.

Traveler or expat considering Europe-listed ETPs

Profile: a non-U.S. resident or someone who can access European brokerages. Europe- and Switzerland-listed ETPs provide a product-like way to hold XRP without self-custody, and they may be more convenient for brokerage integration. Still, local tax and regulatory rules will determine reporting and protections 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Action steps: confirm local tax treatment, check brokerage access, and compare ETP fees and custody details before choosing a product.

How to follow regulatory developments and what to watch next

Key signals that could change U.S. ETF approvals

Watch for new SEC guidance on spot crypto ETFs, court rulings related to Ripple or other tokens, and major filings from large fund managers. These signals can indicate whether the path for a spot XRP ETF is clearing or remaining uncertain. Reputable market reporting can summarize developments, but primary documents are the most reliable sources Bloomberg analysis. Trackers such as The Block’s XRP ETF tracker can also show the live status of filings and approvals.

Also monitor major fund filings with the SEC, since a new application or a change in how the SEC treats an asset can materially shift the approval outlook for spot products. For context on product-level strategy, see our advanced ETF trading strategies guide.

Reliable sources to monitor

Primary sources to follow include the SEC’s public notices and filings, Vanguard’s investor guidance pages for product status, and issuer product pages for Europe or Swiss ETPs for product details Vanguard investor guidance page. You can also check issuer filings such as the CoinShares filing hosted on EDGAR for issuer-level detail CoinShares EDGAR filing, or consult broader educational guides like a general XRP ETF primer Crypto.com guide.

Market reporting from reputable outlets can provide helpful context, but verify any claims with the original filings or regulator publications before acting.

Scenarios that could lead Vanguard or the SEC to change course

Regulatory clarifications that would help

Legal clarifications from courts or formal SEC guidance that reduce classification uncertainty for XRP would make it easier for fund managers to evaluate a spot ETF filing. Clear precedent that aligns XRP’s treatment with assets already approved for spot ETFs would remove a major barrier to filings and approvals SEC press release on related legal matters.

Conversely, new rulings that confirm classification complexity would likely keep issuers cautious and delay new U.S. spot XRP ETF filings.

Market or legal developments Vanguard would watch

Vanguard and similar managers watch court rulings, SEC guidance, and custody solutions that demonstrate robust safeguards for holders. They also monitor investor demand and the operational readiness of custodians; a combination of clear legal precedent and practical custody solutions would be the typical trigger for re-evaluating product strategy Reuters coverage.

Short primer on tax reporting for XRP transactions

Which XRP transactions are typically taxable

The IRS guidance treats many crypto transactions as taxable events, including selling XRP for fiat, trading XRP for another crypto, and using XRP to buy goods, meaning gains or losses must generally be calculated and reported IRS virtual-currency guidance.

If you hold XRP through an ETP, tax treatment can differ from direct holdings in some jurisdictions, so read the product disclosure or consult a tax professional if you are unsure how a particular product is treated.

Practical record-keeping and reporting tips

Keep date-stamped records of every transaction, the cost basis, the amount received, and the purpose of the transaction. Exportable transaction histories or a simple spreadsheet can save substantial time during tax season.

If you need tailored tax advice, consult a tax professional. Tax rules change and can vary by jurisdiction, so rely on up-to-date official guidance for your country.

Where to find reliable primary sources and further reading

Official issuer and regulator pages

Primary places to confirm product status are Vanguard’s investor guidance pages for the firm’s position on cryptocurrencies, the SEC website for filings and notices, and issuer pages for Europe- or Switzerland-listed ETPs for product details Vanguard investor guidance page. You can also visit our investing hub for related coverage.

For tax rules, consult official tax authority guidance. For product details on ETPs, consult issuer pages where custody, fees, and holdings are documented 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Conclusion: key takeaways and next steps for readers

Three short takeaways

1) Vanguard did not offer a dedicated XRP ETF and had no public filing for one as of 2026, so there is no Vanguard XRP ETF for U.S. investors to buy directly Vanguard investor guidance page.

2) U.S. approval for a spot XRP ETF remained unresolved because SEC v. Ripple and related regulatory treatment created legal uncertainty that influenced issuer decisions SEC press release on related legal matters.

3) Practical alternatives include Europe- and Switzerland-listed ETPs, buying XRP on regulated exchanges with careful custody practices, or diversified funds that list XRP exposure; each path has distinct custody, fee, and tax trade-offs 21Shares XRP ETP product page.

Practical next steps

Decide which decision factors matter most for you, use the checklist fields we suggested, track primary sources for updates, and document transactions for tax reporting. If you are unsure about tax or legal implications, consult a tax advisor or legal professional before taking action.