October 2025 is poised to be significant for crypto markets, as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approaches final deadlines on 16 exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. Unlike previous cycles, many of these proposals extend beyond Bitcoin and Ether, encompassing altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Litecoin.
This week on “Byte-Sized Insight,” we examine what distinguishes this round of filings, how the SEC’s position might be evolving, and the potential implications of these approvals for investors and the wider crypto market.
A new SEC era
On Sept. 17, the SEC sanctioned a series of “generic listing standards” for exchange-traded products linked to spot commodities, including digital assets. Analysts suggest that this could significantly streamline the ETF approval process, minimizing the need for individual rule changes that have historically hampered crypto’s integration into mainstream financial products.
This development occurs against a different political backdrop compared to prior years. Grayscale’s research lead, Zach Pandl, indicated to Cointelegraph in the episode that the onset of the Trump administration fostered momentum for regulatory clarity.
“President Trump and the Trump administration came into office with a mandate from voters to bring regulatory clarity to the crypto industry in the US,” Pandl stated. “It’s genuinely been a comprehensive government effort. Whether it’s the White House, Congress, or the SEC, all are responding to that voter message.”
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He further noted that bipartisan support has reassured both businesses and investors that crypto “is very much here to stay, for the long run in the US.”
Demand beyond Bitcoin
The pivotal question remains how much interest genuinely exists for altcoin ETFs. Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart also remarked in the episode that Solana and XRP are notable due to their established futures markets, though he warned against anticipating inflows on the level of Bitcoin.
“They will perform reasonably well in terms of flows and AUM,” Seyffart noted, “but the long-term growth narrative may lie in basket or index products.”
Pandl echoed this perspective, highlighting Grayscale’s latest diversified index fund. “We’re excited not only to be introducing these single-asset ETPs but also the first diversified index-based crypto ETP, providing a comprehensive solution for crypto exposure in a portfolio,” he expressed.
What comes next?
Seyffart indicated that approval could trigger a surge in product innovation, adding:
“You’re going to see offerings like staking Solana ETFs, covered call ETFs, and leveraged or inverse products. … It’s going to get wild.”
Whether October leads to immediate market inflows or lays the groundwork for future growth, analysts concur that the regulatory landscape has transformed. For the first time, altcoin ETFs seem closer than ever to entering mainstream US markets.
Listen to the complete episode of “Byte-Sized Insight” for the full interview on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don’t forget to explore Cointelegraph’s complete range of other shows!
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