Key Takeaways
- SEC’s new guidelines might pave the way for broader crypto ETF integration across the evolving American market. Especially since a universal listing framework may cut ETF approval timelines from 240 to 75 days.
After months of stalled crypto ETF approvals, the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finally taken a pivotal step forward.
SEC’s new crypto guidelines
In a surprising move, the agency released new disclosure guidance for exchange-traded products tied to digital assets, signaling a potential green light for long-pending applications. These include those linked to assets like Solana [SOL], XRP, and even Trump-themed memecoins.
The 12-page directive is not only evidence of a change in tone under Republican leadership, but also a sign of the agency’s evolving stance towards the crypto industry.
With a new task force now working on crypto regulations and several major enforcement actions being paused or dropped, asset managers are hopeful this shift will streamline the ETF approval process and usher in a new wave of product launches.
Remarking on the same, Sui Chung, CEO of crypto index provider CF Benchmarks, said,
“The SEC is moving forward on creating a framework for how they’d like to see all these crypto assets included in investment funds” to address the “explosion” in the number of ETFs now awaiting a regulatory verdict.”
Beyond the initial guidance, the SEC’s next move could prove even more transformative for the crypto ETF landscape.
What else is the SEC working on?
According to insiders, the agency is also working towards establishing a universal listing framework that would eliminate the need for exchanges to individually file Form 19b-4 for each crypto-related ETF.
This form, under the current system, often extends the approval timeline to as long as 240 days.
The SEC, in coordination with major players like Nasdaq and Cboe, hopes to fast-track the process to just 75 days.
If implemented, this framework could significantly accelerate the launch of new crypto ETFs and foster broader market participation.
Execs weigh in
Remarking on the same, ETF Store President Nate Geraci noted,
“The SEC is looking for a general rule it can apply to all listings, and currently is going back and forth on precise wording with the exchanges.”
Highlighting some additional points of consideration, he added,
Source: Nate Geraci/X
While final approval for Spot ETFs tied to SOL, XRP, Polkadot [DOT], Dogecoin [DOGE], and Trump’s memecoins remains on hold, optimism is building across the market.
Issuers believe that the SEC’s next major guidance, expected by Q4 2025, will be key to unlocking broader approvals.
Will pending crypto ETFs be approved?
Amid regulatory delays, certain ETF proposals are beginning to gain traction.
According to data from Polymarket, there’s a 70% probability that ETFs tied to altcoins like XRP, Litecoin [LTC], Dogecoin, and Cardano [ADA] will receive the green light.
Also, the SEC recently approved the first crypto index ETF that includes assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, signaling broader regulatory openness.
Meanwhile, some players are taking matters into their own hands.
REX Financial and Osprey Funds launched the REX-Osprey Sol + Staking ETF (SSK.Z), giving investors Solana exposure through a more indirect route -An offshore entity holding Solana assets.
These developments suggest that while regulatory clarity is still evolving, the altcoin ETF era may be closer than many expect.
