Bitwise CIO Just Said It Out Loud: XRP Was Better Received Than Ethereum

Crypto commentator X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) has shared a video featuring Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan’s comment that added a new angle to the current XRP debate.

The clip did not focus on price targets or market optimism. Instead, it centered on how XRP products have been received during a weak market environment.

X Finance Bull positioned the remarks as evidence of growing institutional participation at a time when retail activity remains cautious. This sets the stage for a shift in how XRP is being evaluated.

🚨Bitwise CIO just said it out loud: $XRP was better received than ETH. In a down market with $1B+ inflows.

Retail is still shaken. Institutions are already here
Price down? That’s the trap. WAKE UP!

Narrative is shifting
Bet accordinglypic.twitter.com/auFeyLOP88

— X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) December 20, 2025

Hougan Compares XRP and Ethereum ETF Reception

In the video, Hougan contrasted XRP’s early reception with that of Ethereum. Bitwise recently launched its XRP ETF, and Hougan revealed that “XRP has been much better received than Ethereum was.”

He described Ethereum ETFs as products that “quietly moved out of the gate” before finding traction much later. By comparison, XRP inflows arrived quickly, with the Canary Capital ETF hitting $58 million in trading volume on the first day.

Hougan cited scale and conditions. He said, “To see a billion dollars in a down market is really exceptional.” Assets Under Management (AUM) have since surpassed $1 billion, with over 30 days of net inflows. He added that stronger conditions would likely have pushed the performance higher.

According to Hougan, the inflows reflected familiarity. He described XRP as a “simple story” already understood by many investors. He said those investors were “conditioned and ready for it.” He concluded that the trend suggested “long and ongoing demand.”

Institutional Presence Versus Retail Hesitation

X Finance Bull highlighted the contrast in the market. He noted that “Retail is still shaken. Institutions are already here.” He emphasized the timing of inflows during a market downturn. He argued that price weakness concealed positioning rather than a lack of interest.

The post framed XRP as an asset benefiting from clarity and exposure to institutional markets. While Hougan avoided commentary on investor classes, X Finance Bull used the remarks to reinforce his thesis that institutional capital had already engaged.

Whale activity in the ecosystem supports this belief, as XRP whales have made notable moves in recent weeks. While XRP’s price remains low, savvy investors are making big moves in the market. X Finance Bull believes the low price is just a trap, and XRP could skyrocket before retail investors realize what they’re missing.