• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

MORE FROM SPONSORED

LIVE Web3 News

 

ARTICLE INFORMATION

SEC delays Solana ETFs decision

SEC delays Solana ETF decision as October deadline set for Bitwise and 21Shares

Leila Al-Khatib

SEC delays Solana ETF decision after filings this week confirmed the next review date is October 16.

The deadline applies to the Bitwise Solana ETF and the 21Shares Core Solana ETF. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said the move allows more time to consider the proposed rule changes and related issues. This action mirrors the agency’s routine practice of extending deadlines for crypto-related ETF proposals.

Several other Solana ETF applications have also faced delays. These include proposals from Grayscale and Fidelity, both of which have been waiting for the SEC’s review. Industry observers note that such extensions are common, especially given the recent wave of proposals. The SEC has received filings for dozens of new crypto ETFs, tracking assets from XRP to DOGE. This influx comes amid what some analysts call a more receptive federal stance toward digital asset investment products.


ANOTHER MUST-READ ON ICN.LIVE:

The ‘godfather of AI’ confesses that risks and warnings in shaping humanity’s future


More proposals line up for review

Proposals for Solana ETFs have seen progress recently as applicants updated filings to align with the SEC’s requirements. Firms including ProShares, Canary, and 21Shares are among those awaiting a decision. BlackRock, the largest asset manager globally, is notably absent from the Solana ETF applicant list. A spokesperson told The Block last week the company has no plans to launch a Solana-focused fund at this time.

The SEC delays Solana ETF decision in a context where other approvals have shaped the market significantly. In July, the agency approved orders allowing in-kind creations and redemptions for crypto ETFs. It also opened the door for applications to list and trade spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, and to trade options on certain spot Bitcoin ETPs.

Shift in regulatory approach

The SEC’s posture toward crypto ETFs has shifted during the Biden administration. The change followed a key court ruling that influenced its stance on spot bitcoin ETFs. This shift later extended to Ethereum ETFs, creating a precedent that market participants hope will benefit other digital asset products, including Solana.

While the agency’s latest action delays a final decision, the October deadline sets a clear short-term timeline for applicants and investors. The SEC is expected to either approve, deny, or extend again. Such decisions can influence not only Solana’s market price but also the broader sentiment toward altcoin ETFs.

Market watchers suggest that an eventual approval could increase institutional access to Solana exposure. Until then, the sector remains in a holding pattern as regulatory review continues.

SHARE

Why did the SEC delay the Solana ETF decision?

The SEC delayed the Solana ETF decision to allow more time for review of the proposed rule changes and related concerns. This move is in line with the agency’s typical process for crypto ETF applications. It often extends review periods multiple times before issuing a final ruling, especially when proposals involve newer or less-established digital assets. By pushing the deadline to October 16, the SEC ensures it has sufficient time to consider market impact, investor protections, and compliance with securities regulations. Similar delays have been applied to ETFs tracking bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. Applicants and investors should see this as part of a longer regulatory process rather than a sign of rejection. These extensions also allow applicants to revise filings to meet the SEC’s evolving expectations, potentially increasing the chance of eventual approval.

Which companies have applied for Solana ETFs?

Several firms have filed applications for Solana ETFs. The current list includes Bitwise, 21Shares, Grayscale, Fidelity, Proshares, and Canary. Each of these firms seeks approval to list and trade a fund that tracks the price of Solana, either directly or through derivatives. The two proposals with an October 16 decision deadline are from Bitwise and 21Shares. These applicants have made updates to their filings in an attempt to address the SEC’s regulatory concerns. Other firms, such as Grayscale and Fidelity, are still waiting for their review timelines to progress. Notably, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager and a major player in bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, has stated it does not plan to launch a Solana ETF at this time. The breadth of applicants shows growing institutional interest in Solana as a potential investment product.

How does this delay compare to other crypto ETF approvals?

The SEC often delays decisions on crypto ETF applications, especially for assets beyond bitcoin and Ethereum. In the past, it has extended deadlines several times before approving or denying such proposals. This cautious approach is consistent with its handling of earlier bitcoin and Ethereum ETF filings. For example, before approving spot bitcoin ETFs, the SEC delayed multiple times while courts weighed in on related regulatory matters. The eventual approval of Ethereum ETFs followed a similar timeline, with updates and resubmissions by applicants. The current delay for Solana ETFs fits the same pattern, suggesting the SEC is applying similar scrutiny. The process allows for public comment, applicant amendments, and detailed internal review. Investors tracking these decisions should expect that approval for new crypto ETFs, especially for altcoins like Solana, will likely take months and possibly several deadline extensions.

What impact could a Solana ETF have on the market?

A Solana ETF could significantly affect market participation and liquidity for the asset. It would offer traditional investors regulated access to Solana exposure without requiring direct token ownership. This could lead to increased demand, especially from institutional players who prefer ETF structures for compliance and operational ease. Historically, ETF approvals for bitcoin and Ethereum have been followed by heightened trading activity and broader market adoption. While no outcome is guaranteed, approval of a Solana ETF might increase visibility for the asset and potentially influence its price. Conversely, repeated delays or a rejection could dampen short-term enthusiasm. The impact would also depend on broader market conditions and investor sentiment toward altcoins. The October 16 deadline will be closely watched as a potential catalyst, though the SEC could extend the process again, keeping uncertainty in play for the market.

FEATURED

EVENTS

Days
Hr
Min
Sec
 

ICN TALKS EPISODES