The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a significant step by accepting filings from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to list Grayscale’s Solana and Litecoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This development could potentially mark a turning point in the regulation of crypto assets.
The announcement, made on February 6, initiates a 21-day period for public feedback. This decision comes at a time when digital asset ETFs are gaining increasing attention due to shifts in the regulatory landscape.
Of particular significance is the acceptance of the Solana ETF filing, as it is the first time the SEC has considered an ETF for this cryptocurrency. In the past, similar attempts were rejected by the SEC. Analysts speculate that this could indicate a more favorable approach from the SEC, especially considering Solana’s previous classification as a security.
With Gary Gensler no longer leading the SEC, many anticipate that the new leadership will adopt a more crypto-friendly stance. This is evident in the growing number of ETF filings. Experts are optimistic that decisions on these applications could be made by October 11.
In addition to the Solana ETF filing, the SEC has also recognized a filing for Grayscale’s Litecoin ETF, marking the second acknowledgment for this cryptocurrency. While regulatory approval is still distant, this development is seen as a positive sign for the future of Litecoin ETFs.
The broader context of this progress includes the SEC’s acknowledgement of Nasdaq’s filing to allow in-kind transactions for the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. Industry observers describe this move as long overdue. However, the final approval for crypto-based ETFs still depends on future regulatory decisions, which may be influenced by the SEC’s new leadership.