Jun. 18, 2025
Jack Lacalamita [REDACTED] June 18,2025 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of the Secretary 100 F Street NE Washington, DC 20549 Email: rule-comments@sec.gov Subject: Comment on File No. SR-CboeBZX-2025– Support for Franklin Templeton XRP Spot ETF Dear Securities and Exchange Commission, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed Franklin Templeton XRP Spot ETF and the continued efforts of Ripple Labs to advance XRP as a transformative digital currency for the 21st century. As a small investor eager to participate in the evolving cryptocurrency market, I believe the approval of this ETF represents a critical opportunity to provide accessible, regulated exposure to XRP, benefiting individuals like me who seek to diversify their portfolios with innovative financial assets. XRP, developed by Ripple, has demonstrated remarkable potential as a bridge currency for cross-border payments, a need that traditional systems like SWIFT have struggled to meet efficiently. Ripple’s partnerships with major institutions, such as Mastercard and SBI Remit in Japan, underscore its growing adoption, with projections indicating Japanese banks may integrate the XRP Ledger by 2025 (per Finance Magnates). This real-world utility positions XRP as a cornerstone of the future global financial ecosystem, far beyond speculative hype. For small investors, the current barriers to owning XRP—such as navigating unregulated exchanges or managing private wallets—pose significant challenges. An XRP Spot ETF would address these issues by offering a regulated, SEC-overseen investment vehicle, similar to the Bitcoin and Ether ETFs approved in 2024. This would allow me and others to gain exposure through familiar brokerage accounts, complete with audited holdings and simplified tax reporting, as outlined in Forbes’ analysis of XRP ETFs. The ETF’s structure, with authorized participants maintaining price stability, would further protect retail investors from market volatility. The recent resolution of the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit, with a $50 million settlement on May 8, 2025 (per CCN), has clarified XRP’s status for retail sales, reducing legal uncertainty. This milestone, combined with XRP’s current price range of $2.30-$2.50 and its 7% weekly growth (CoinGecko data), signals a maturing asset ripe for broader investment. Approving the ETF would empower small investors to join this growth story, fostering financial inclusion in the digital age. I acknowledge concerns about Ripple’s control of a significant XRP supply and potential sell pressure, as noted in recent X discussions. However, I trust the SEC’s rigorous review process to impose safeguards, ensuring market integrity. I urge the Commission to move forward with approval, recognizing XRP’s role as the “new digital currency for the 21st century” and the ETF’s potential to democratize access to this opportunity. Thank you for considering my perspective. I am eager to see this proposal advance and look forward to participating in a regulated XRP market. Sincerely, Jack Lacalamita,MD