TLDR
- Ripple has confirmed that Maxwell Stein, BlackRock’s Director of Digital Assets, will speak at the Swell 2025 conference in New York City.
- Stein’s participation has sparked discussions within the XRP community, with many expecting insights into BlackRock’s stance on crypto ETFs.
- Other prominent speakers at the Swell 2025 conference include Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Chairman Chris Larsen, and Nasdaq Chair Adena Friedman.
- The conference will feature discussions on key trends in crypto, including stablecoins, real-world adoption, and the future of crypto regulation.
- Despite growing institutional interest in XRP, BlackRock has not applied for an XRP ETF, and it remains unclear whether this will change.
Ripple has confirmed that Maxwell Stein, BlackRock’s Director of Digital Assets, will participate in its upcoming Swell 2025 conference. The event will take place in New York City from November 4-5, 2025. Ripple has also revealed other notable speakers, including its CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chairman Chris Larsen.
Ripple’s Swell Conference to Feature Key Industry Leaders
Maxwell Stein’s involvement has sparked much discussion within the XRP community. Many expect Stein to provide insights into BlackRock’s perspective on crypto ETFs. His participation could offer important clues about whether BlackRock plans to introduce an XRP-focused product.
In addition to Stein, the Swell conference will host a range of industry leaders. Ripple’s Chris Larsen and Brad Garlinghouse will also share their expertise during the event. Nasdaq Chair Adena Friedman and OKX CIO Jason Lau are also among the featured speakers.
The agenda for the conference indicates that Stein will join Rory Callagy of Moody’s Investors Services. They will discuss how tokenized financial assets are reshaping capital markets. While there are no specific mentions of BlackRock’s plans for an XRP ETF, speculation continues to grow.
XRP ETF Speculation Grows Ahead of Swell Conference
Despite significant institutional interest in XRP, BlackRock has yet to apply for an XRP-focused ETF. The company currently manages standalone crypto ETFs linked to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Earlier speculations suggested BlackRock might have avoided XRP due to the ongoing SEC lawsuit with Ripple.
Although the lawsuit concluded last month, BlackRock has maintained its stance on not launching an XRP ETF. This position leaves many in the crypto community wondering if BlackRock will reconsider its strategy. The Swell conference might provide the first public signals of any potential change.
Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has emphasized the growing interest in XRP from institutional investors. However, BlackRock’s hesitance could be rooted in cautious regulatory concerns. The conference will likely highlight the industry’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Swell 2025 Conference Details and Agenda Unveiled
Ripple has also revealed the full agenda for the Swell conference, which will cover various critical topics. These include discussions on payments, stablecoins, and the growing real-world adoption of digital assets. Notably, sessions on the role of stablecoins in cross-border payments will take place on November 4.
The first day will include a welcome reception from 4 to 7 PM ET on November 3. The following day, the event will officially kick off with networking opportunities and a keynote address by Monica Long, Ripple’s President. Notably, Garlinghouse will participate in a fireside chat, engaging in high-level discussions about the future of crypto.
The second day of the conference will feature further discussions on the adoption of digital assets and crime prevention in the space. Keynote addresses and more in-depth sessions will offer attendees insights into where the industry is heading. As always, Ripple’s Swell conference aims to bring together thought leaders and innovators from across the crypto world.
