- The SEC’s recent approval of spot Ethereum ETFs has sparked discussions about the potential for other crypto ETFs, such as those for Solana (SOL) and XRP.
- JPMorgan analysts remain skeptical about the approval of additional crypto ETFs, citing regulatory uncertainties.
- Analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou suggests that without new legislation, the approval of more crypto ETFs is unlikely.
Explore the latest developments in the crypto ETF landscape, including the SEC’s stance on Ethereum, Solana, and XRP ETFs, and what it means for the future of cryptocurrency investments.
SEC’s Stance on Solana and XRP ETFs
The SEC’s recent decision to approve spot Ethereum ETFs has led to speculation about the potential for other crypto ETFs, such as those for Solana (SOL) and XRP. However, JPMorgan analysts, including Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, remain skeptical about the likelihood of these approvals. Panigirtzoglou points out that the SEC’s current stance on most cryptocurrencies as securities poses a significant hurdle.
Regulatory Challenges and Market Implications
Panigirtzoglou highlights that the SEC’s approval of Ethereum ETFs was already a stretch, given the ongoing debate about whether Ethereum should be classified as a security. He argues that the SEC is unlikely to extend this leniency to other tokens like Solana or XRP. The analyst emphasizes that for the SEC to approve more crypto ETFs, U.S. policymakers would need to pass legislation declaring most cryptocurrencies as non-securities, a move that seems unlikely in the near term.
SEC’s Approval of Spot Ethereum ETFs
Last week, the SEC surprised many by approving spot Ethereum ETFs. This decision came after months of deliberations and last-minute communications with stakeholders. The SEC approved the 19b-4 forms for eight spot Ethereum ETF applicants, including major financial institutions like Grayscale, Bitwise, BlackRock, VanEck, Ark 21Shares, Invesco, Fidelity, and Franklin. While these ETFs still await final approval to begin trading, many analysts expect trading to commence in the coming weeks.
Market Reactions and Future Outlook
Despite JPMorgan’s skepticism, some analysts believe that the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs could pave the way for more crypto ETFs. Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered predicts that the SEC might approve Solana and XRP ETFs by 2025. Similarly, Jaret Seiberg from TD Cowen suggests that the market could see more crypto ETFs, including those featuring a basket of crypto tokens, within a year.
Conclusion
The SEC’s recent approval of spot Ethereum ETFs has undoubtedly stirred the crypto market, raising hopes for the approval of other crypto ETFs. However, significant regulatory challenges remain, and analysts like Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou from JPMorgan caution against over-optimism. For now, the future of Solana and XRP ETFs hinges on potential legislative changes and the SEC’s evolving stance on cryptocurrency regulation.
