SEC Greenlights Generic Crypto ETF Framework - Wave of Digital Asset Funds Imminent

Wall Street's crypto blockade just crumbled.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved sweeping generic listing standards that effectively fast-tracks cryptocurrency ETF applications—bypassing the grueling individual approval process that previously bottlenecked the entire industry.

Regulatory Roadblocks Demolished

No more case-by-case scrutiny. Asset managers now follow standardized guidelines rather than begging for personalized permission slips—cutting approval timelines from months to weeks.

Floodgates Ready to Open

Expect dozens of crypto ETFs to hit markets before year-end. BlackRock, Fidelity, and Vanguard have filings queued up—ready to unleash billions in institutional capital into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and beyond.

Finally, the SEC acknowledges what markets knew years ago: crypto isn't going anywhere—except maybe into your 401(k).

A streamlined path for crypto ETFs

Under the new rules, an ETF can be listed without SEC sign-off if its underlying asset trades on a market with surveillance-sharing agreements, has active CFTC-regulated futures contracts for at least six months, or already represents at least 40% of an existing listed ETF.

This brings crypto ETFs in line with traditional commodity-based funds under Rule 6c-11, eliminating a process that could take up to 240 days.

SEC chair Paul Atkins said the MOVE was designed to “maximize investor choice and foster innovation” while ensuring the U.S. remains the leading market for digital assets. Jamie Selway, director of the division of trading and markets, called the framework “a rational, rules-based approach” that balances access with investor protection.

First products already approved

Alongside the new standards, the SEC cleared the listing of the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund, which tracks spot assets based on the CoinDesk 5 Index. It also approved trading of options tied to the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index and its mini version, with multiple settlement expirations.

Industry analysts, including Bloomberg’s James Seyffart, said the decision could trigger a wave of new ETF launches, potentially extending beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) to assets like Solana, XRP, and even niche tokens. Social media reaction has already framed the ruling as one of the most important regulatory milestones for crypto ETFs to date.