The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved fresh generic listing guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), accelerating the approval process. The move, announced on September 17, 2025, enables exchanges such as Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX to list crypto ETFs without filing lengthy individual proposals. The step is bound to improve the regulatory environment for digital assets substantially.
SEC’s Change in Strategy
The SEC’s move removes the long case-by-case listing process that has stalled the listing of crypto ETFs for years. Historically, each one would have to file individually, with a duration of up to 240 days. With the new regime, an ETF will be able to list as long as its underlying asset is listed on a surveillance-sharing market and has six months’ or more history of trading on CFTC-regulated futures. Crypto ETFs are subsequently brought level with conventional commodity-based funds under Rule 6c-11.
As per reports, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has underlined that this plan will try to bring the highest degree of investor choice and innovation. The new SEC strategy will provide easy access to digital asset products, potentially making America a leader in crypto regulations.
First Products Approved
In this regulatory remake, the SEC has also authorized the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund. The fund follows spot assets off the CoinDesk 5 Index and is another institutional investing milestone for digital assets. The options on the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index have also been authorized, further broadening the investment products on offer.
Industry experts anticipate that this regulatory shift will release an avalanche of new ETF launches, way beyond the likes of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to others such as Solana (SOL) and XRP. This move is among the most crucial for crypto ETFs in the United States.
Market Reactions and Future Outlook
Market responses have been generally positive. Industry observers are of the opinion that SEC approval will mark the beginning of a new era for crypto investment. Grayscale CEO said that regulatory clarity will most likely lead to more institutional interest for crypto ETFs.
Following this release, highly ranked altcoins such as XRP and SOL have already shown price appreciation, with signs of renewed investor interest. According to on-chain trading data, XRP is now at $3.10 and SOL at $246.59, citing the favorable reaction of the market towards news from the SEC.
By simplifying the approval process, the SEC is not only opening the door to investor access but also positioning America in the world as a leader in the crypto space. As new products come to market, investors and analysts will be holding their breath as these changes take effect.
