Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has made a bold prediction about the future of cryptocurrency ETFs, stating that Bitcoin ETFs have dramatically outpaced investment in Gold funds in 2004. The debut of Bitcoin ETFs in January has been a significant event, with BlackRock's IBIT Bitcoin ETF accumulating assets worth more than $20 billion in just five months.

Garlinghouse noted that it took three years for the SPDR Gold Shares ETF to amass $10 billion worth of assets after its launch in 2004. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs have reached this milestone in just two months. This rapid growth is a testament to the high interest in crypto ETFs, and Garlinghouse believes that the next wave of Ethereum ETFs will do well too.

The CEO also emphasized the importance of diversifying crypto investments, stating that people don't want to be exposed to just one commodity. He believes that mixed-asset vehicles, similar to those offered for precious metals, will become a logical conclusion for crypto ETFs.

As for the chances of an XRP ETF being approved, Garlinghouse remains optimistic that it could take flight as early as next year, despite political challenges. He welcomed the fact that politicians are paying more attention to the issue in the run-up to November's elections, which he believes will drive momentum in the market.

Garlinghouse also commented on the role of crypto in American politics, stating that Republicans have taken the lead on the issue. He praised Donald Trump's embrace of crypto as "incredibly smart [and] incredibly strategic." However, he noted that it's "crazy" that crypto has become a partisan issue.

To help fund the burgeoning crypto lobby, Ripple recently donated $25 million to Fairshake, a Super PAC that supports pro-crypto candidates in both main parties.