The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to deliver final decisions on 16 crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in October, sparking optimism that the market could witness a wave of approvals. Industry analysts are calling it “ETF month”, as funds linked to major altcoins such as Solana (SOL), XRP, Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE) await regulatory verdicts.
Key ETF Deadlines in October
The decision timeline begins with Canary’s spot Litecoin ETF on October 2, followed by Grayscale’s Solana and Litecoin trust conversions on October 10. The month will close with WisdomTree’s XRP ETF deadline on October 24.
While deadlines are fixed, the SEC has the authority to approve any ETF ahead of schedule, creating an atmosphere of anticipation throughout the crypto market.
ETF experts such as James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas believe this regulatory change could unleash a wave of spot crypto ETPs beyond the October deadlines.
Analysts believe these decisions could mark a turning point for altcoins, as approval would provide traditional investors with a regulated pathway to gain exposure to crypto assets.
- Bitfinex analysts previously predicted that ETF approvals could trigger a new altcoin season, fueling market rallies across multiple tokens.
- Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, called the upcoming weeks “enormous for spot crypto ETFs”, highlighting how these filings could reshape investor access.
The BlackRock and Fidelity Factor
Interestingly, two major players — BlackRock and Fidelity — are absent from the October deadlines. Despite their dominance in the crypto ETF landscape, other issuers are leading this wave of applications.
Still, market observers suggest that even without these giants, any approvals could set the stage for broader adoption, increasing pressure on top asset managers to accelerate their own crypto ETF strategies.
ETF analyst and NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci said in an X post
SEC’s Friendlier Approach in 2025
The SEC has delayed multiple ETF applications in recent years, but 2025 has shown a shift toward more crypto-friendly policies.
- In September, the SEC approved a new listing standard for commodity-based trust shares, making the process of launching spot crypto ETFs shorter and more efficient.
Hashdex, for example, has already expanded its ETF exposure to include XRP, Solana, and Stellar (XLM).
With 16 ETFs on the line, October is shaping up to be a defining month for the crypto industry. The SEC’s decisions could influence whether investors trade these altcoins at a premium, discount, or witness the beginning of a new market cycle led by institutional adoption.
If approvals come through, the industry may see increased liquidity, broader investor participation, and reduced barriers to entry for digital assets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.