TL;DR:
- The SEC has moved to accelerate altcoin ETF approvals and clear backlogged filings.
- Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas points to a forthcoming XRP-focused ETF by Bitwise.
- Expansion of altcoin ETFs could broaden institutional crypto exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a major step toward approving altcoin-based ETFs after issuing guidance that may accelerate crypto fund listings and clear a backlog of applications. According to analyst Eric Balchunas of Bloomberg, the next ETF likely to launch will be one focused on XRP via Bitwise Asset Management. The shift points to institutional access to major altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a new phase in regulated crypto investing.
SEC put out some guidance where it looks like issuers can sort of speed up the effectiveness of filings in an effort to clear out some backlog. My guess is some of those crypto etfs that didn't do the 8a thing will try and push out as soon as they can. Bitwise XRP is due next up… pic.twitter.com/vY3ja5Xk1I
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 14, 2025
Institutional Crypto Exposure Could Expand Rapidly
The SEC’s new guidance allows issuers to accelerate the effectiveness of filings under Section 8(a), enabling crypto ETFs to launch more quickly. Analysts believe this means a wave of altcoin-based ETFs may hit markets in the coming months, significantly expanding investment options. Balchunas noted that issuers who have not used the 8(a) route may now push for approval to capture first-mover advantages. The regulatory change is viewed as a pivotal moment for the industry, offering a smoother path to mainstream investment vehicles tied to major altcoins.
Major asset managers are preparing to take advantage of the new framework, with firms such as Bitwise, VanEck and 21Shares already positioning filings for altcoins. The next product, an XRP-linked ETF, could signal a broadening of institutional investors’ portfolios into the altcoin sector. The potential surge in altcoin ETF launches raises questions about how large inflows might affect token prices and market liquidity. With Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs already representing hundreds of billions under management, the arrival of altcoin products is expected to transform the crypto-investment landscape.
Issuers and exchanges are watching chronology closely, with the backlog of filings being a key factor. Some filings that were delayed during the government shutdown now face less resistance. If altcoin ETFs begin launching at scale, the industry could see unprecedented access to previously under-invested tokens within regulated structures. The SEC’s evolving position reflects changing dynamics in digital-asset regulation and indicates that mainstream finance is increasingly embracing a broader crypto universe.
