Approval of spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to be delayed until a new president is officially sworn in.
While the agency has accepted several pending applications, analysts believe no approval will be given until the SEC's leadership is finalized.
Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart expressed skepticism about early approvals. “I would be very, very surprised if they approve any of these filings before Paul Atkins gets approved on the original deadlines,” Seyffart said. “We assume anything that can be delayed will be delayed until Atkins formally comes before the SEC.”
A source familiar with the matter echoed that sentiment, saying early approval was unlikely despite the current administration showing a willingness to overturn precedents. “I would be surprised if it came, but you never know,” the source added.
The delay in decisions comes amid a leadership shakeup at the SEC. Former Chairman Gary Gensler resigned in January ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and Trump has since tapped former SEC Commissioner and current CEO of Patomak Global Partners Paul Atkins to lead the agency. No confirmation hearing has yet been scheduled for Atkins.
Yesterday, the SEC postponed decisions on several altcoin ETFs, including those tied to XRP, Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC). While the move was unexpected, it didn’t come as a shock to industry watchers, according to Seyffart.
However, Seyffart and colleagues estimate that there is a 65% or higher probability of altcoin ETF approvals by the end of 2025. Decisions on some applications in May and June may have a better chance depending on the approval of the new SEC chair.
*This is not investment advice.
