SEC Simplifies Crypto ETFs: Solana at the Forefront of Institutional Embrace

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made notable progress in simplifying the approval pathway for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as recent filings for

(SOL) ETFs now specifically mention staking features. Market experts are increasingly confident that Solana ETFs could secure regulatory clearance by mid-October 2025, reflecting a broader push to harmonize the listing process for digital assets. The SEC’s move to implement universal listing standards, which shortens the maximum review period from 240 to 75 days, has sped up the evaluation of products that satisfy set requirements. This development is a milestone for the crypto sector, which has long awaited institutional investment options for alternative coins beyond and Ethereum.

Leading asset managers such as VanEck, Bitwise, 21Shares, and Grayscale have all put forward proposals for Solana ETFs, with VanEck’s application currently at the forefront and facing an initial decision date of October 10, 2025. These proposals include staking components—a new addition to crypto ETF models—which could potentially boost returns for investors. The SEC’s approval in July 2025 of in-kind redemptions for crypto ETFs has further enhanced these products by increasing liquidity and operational effectiveness. Bloomberg analysts now see a 95% chance that Solana ETFs will be approved before the end of the year, citing the successful launches of Bitcoin and

ETFs and the rising institutional appetite for diversified crypto assets.

The regulatory environment has shifted considerably under SEC Chair Paul Atkins, who has promoted a more innovation-oriented stance since taking the helm in April 2025. The agency’s adoption of a “first-to-file” policy for eligible assets has increased competition among applicants, with several Solana ETF proposals competing for a spot at the front of the approval line. This approach is similar to the swift approval process seen for Ethereum ETFs in May 2024, which attracted over $4 billion in investments within a few months. Experts point out that adding Solana—a high-performance blockchain valued at $200 billion—could draw significant institutional funds, especially as its role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and international payments expands.

Industry observers are also closely watching how the SEC manages simultaneous

ETF submissions, which may serve as an indicator for Solana’s prospects. Although the final decision on XRP ETFs is expected by late October 2025 Final List of XRP ETF Awaiting SEC Approval: Dates, Filings [ 1 ], the SEC’s recent synchronization of review timelines for both assets points to a unified approach to regulatory transparency SEC Postpones Multiple XRP ETF Decisions to October 2025 [ 2 ]. ProShares’ leveraged XRP futures ETF, which has accumulated $1.2 billion in managed assets, offers a glimpse into how spot Solana ETFs could perform if approved. The SEC’s July 2025 determination that programmatic XRP sales do not constitute securities has also cleared a major legal barrier for altcoin ETFs Crypto ETFs Set to Flood the US Market in 2025: … [ 7 ].

The expected green light for Solana ETFs may trigger a new wave of crypto product innovation, with issuers already preparing applications for other altcoins like

(ADA), (DOGE), and (DOT). The SEC’s Project Crypto, launched in July 2025, is designed to update digital asset regulations and reduce uncertainty caused by enforcement actions. Nonetheless, there are still obstacles, such as establishing proper custody for staked assets and creating surveillance-sharing agreements to deter market manipulation. Despite these issues, the SEC’s expedited process has already led to the debut of Canada’s first Solana ETFs in April 2025, highlighting the international appetite for regulated crypto investment products.