The US crypto investment landscape is on the verge of a significant transformation as leading analysts from Bloomberg predict a 95% chance that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Litecoin (LTC), XRP, and Solana (SOL) will receive regulatory approval in 2025. This forecast, shared by ETF experts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas, signals a new era for altcoin accessibility in traditional financial markets .
Why Are These Approvals Likely?
Bloomberg’s analysts cite increasingly positive engagement from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a broader shift in regulatory attitudes toward digital assets. The SEC’s recent approval of the Nasdaq Crypto US Settlement Price Index, which includes SOL, ADA, XLM, and XRP, has laid the groundwork for spot ETF approvals for these altcoins .
Moreover, the SEC’s earlier greenlights for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have set a precedent, with asset managers eager to replicate the success of these products. The spot Bitcoin ETFs, in particular, marked the most successful ETF launch in US history, attracting billions in inflows and demonstrating robust investor demand .
What’s the Timeline?
While the odds of approval are high, the exact timing remains uncertain. Some analysts suggest that approvals could arrive as early as the next few months, while others point to October as a likely window for final decisions. For example, the SEC is expected to rule on XRP’s ETF application by October 17 and Solana’s by October 10, with both filings already acknowledged by the regulator .
Commodities Status: A Key Factor
A crucial element driving optimism is the SEC’s apparent willingness to treat major altcoins like Litecoin, Solana, and XRP as commodities rather than securities. This classification would place them outside the SEC’s strictest oversight, smoothing the path for ETF approval and aligning them with Bitcoin and Ethereum’s regulatory treatment .
What About Other Altcoins?
The bullish outlook extends beyond just LTC, XRP, and SOL. Bloomberg’s analysts assign a 90% chance of approval to ETFs for Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Hedera (HBAR), and Avalanche (AVAX) . Meanwhile, applications for other assets like Sui (SUI) and Tron (TRX) face lower odds, with SUI at 60% and TRX not expected to see approval this year .
Industry Implications
The anticipated wave of ETF approvals is expected to further legitimize crypto assets in the eyes of institutional investors and the broader public. As more altcoins become accessible through regulated investment vehicles, the market could see increased liquidity, reduced volatility, and a broader investor base.
“This is now a matter of ‘when, not if’,” says James Seyffart, highlighting the inevitability of these approvals as the SEC continues its pro-crypto shift .
Looking Ahead
With the SEC’s stance evolving and asset managers racing to launch new products, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakout year for crypto ETFs in the US. The expansion beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum could mark a pivotal moment for the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.
