- The SEC is reviewing new Solana ETF filings from 21Shares, Bitwise, Canary Capital, VanEck, and Franklin Templeton.
- Bloomberg analysts estimate a 70% chance of Solana ETF approval, indicating strong institutional interest.
- The SEC’s classification of Solana as a commodity or security remains a key regulatory hurdle for ETF approval.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has accepted multiple Solana ETF filings, observing a step forward for altcoin-backed financial instruments. The filings contain suggestions from asset managers such as 21Shares, Bitwise, Canary Capital, and VanEck. These companies proposed rule shift forms through the Cboe BZX Exchange, reflecting the process previously followed for Bitcoin ETF approvals.
SEC Considers Spot Solana ETFs
The SEC’s latest filings come after previous Solana ETF applications were rejected. However, Cboe BZX Exchange filed new forms last month, and the regulator has now begun reviewing them. The acknowledgment of these filings signals progress in the evaluation of Solana as an investable asset for institutional investors.
Franklin Templeton has also entered the Solana ETF landscape, filing documents in Delaware to register the Franklin Solana Trust. This follows Grayscale’s recent move to convert its Solana Trust into an ETF, replicating the firm’s approach when transitioning its Bitcoin Trust into a spot ETF last year.
Expectations and Institutional Participation
The SEC has initiated requesting public comments on the Grayscale Solana Trust proposal, which could pave the way for further Solana ETF approvals. Industry analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas from Bloomberg count a 70% probability of approval for Solana ETFs.
The growing number of filings indicates increased institutional interest in Solana as a tradable asset within regulated markets. With shifting policy conditions under the new U.S. administration, momentum around altcoin ETFs has increased. Market participants expect additional ETFs for XRP, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, further extending investment opportunities beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Regulatory Considerations for Solana ETFs
One probable challenge for Solana ETFs lies in the debate over Solana’s sort as either a commodity or security. Unlike BTC and ETH, which the SEC has classified as commodities, Solana’s regulatory status remains uncertain. If the SEC applies different standards to Solana, it could impact the approval process for pending ETF applications.
The evolving stance of the SEC, associated with institutional interest, positions Solana ETFs as a key development in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. The regulator’s decision on these applications is expected to shape the future of altcoin-based ETFs in the U.S. market.
