This effectively removes a major procedural hurdle that previously slowed launches for months and could clear the path for altcoin ETFs as early as October. Exchanges can now list qualifying products without waiting for additional rule changes, though issuers will still need to file Form S-1 outlining each fund’s details. T

he updated framework applies to products tied to leading cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin, XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart commented that the SEC is capable of moving “absurdly fast” if it chooses, raising expectations that approvals could arrive within days, possibly in waves.

On September 29, Eleanor Terrett of Crypto in America confirmed that the SEC had already asked issuers of LTC, XRP, SOL, ADA, and DOGE ETFs to pull their 19b-4 submissions, since the new listing standards have made them redundant. This marks a sharp shift from the delays and extensions that characterized the regulator’s approach earlier this year.

October deadline pressure

Sixteen spot crypto ETFs are on the clock in October. Canary’s spot Litecoin ETF faces the first deadline on October 2, followed by Grayscale’s Solana and Litecoin trust conversions on October 10. WisdomTree’s XRP ETF decision date is October 24. Nate Geraci of The ETF Store called the month “enormous” for the industry, noting several applications are stacked up at once.

While big players like Fidelity and BlackRock aren’t in this round, analysts say the approvals could still reshape the market. Daan Crypto Trades noted the SEC’s shift is a clear break from earlier in the year, when delays were the norm.

Broader regulatory shift

The SEC says the generic standards will create consistency for launching crypto products. The agency is also coordinating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on joint rulemaking aimed at harmonizing oversight and encouraging innovation — including exemptions designed to foster on-chain capital markets.

Market outlook

Institutional recognition of altcoins through ETFs would be a milestone. While some analysts warn of a short-term “sell the news” reaction, institutional demand is expected to remain strong. Analysts from crypto exchange Bitfinex argue that the SEC’s streamlined approval process could become a major catalyst for the market. 

Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas added that as many as 22 cryptocurrencies with active futures markets could qualify for ETFs under the updated framework.

With deadlines approaching, the SEC could deliver multiple approvals in one sweep — or roll them out in waves. Either way, October looks set to be a defining month for spot crypto ETFs.