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October sets the stage for a potential ETF surge
The US Securities and Exchange Commission will reach final decisions on 16 spot crypto exchange-traded fund applications across October, a timetable that could reshape institutional access to major altcoins. These decisions span tokens such as Solana (SOL), XRP, Litecoin (LTC) and memecoin Dogecoin (DOGE), with deadlines staggered through the month.
Which crypto ETF filings have imminent deadlines?
Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart compiled a schedule that places several high-profile applications on fast-moving timelines. The decentralized exchange Canary's Litecoin spot ETF faces the first hard deadline on Oct. 2. A key conversion request from asset manager Grayscale for Solana and Litecoin trusts is due by Oct. 10. The slate culminates with WisdomTree's XRP fund, which has an Oct. 24 deadline. Note that the SEC may issue a ruling at any point up to each final date.
Assets in focus
The October docket includes proposals tied to a range of tokens: Solana, XRP, Litecoin and Dogecoin are among the better-known names, while other applications reference additional altcoins such as Cardano (ADA) and Hedera (HBAR). If approved, these spot crypto ETFs would offer regulated, exchange-traded exposure to these digital assets, appealing to investors seeking reduced custody and counterparty risk compared with direct holdings.
Analyst and trader perspectives
ETF analyst and NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci emphasized that this is a pivotal period for spot crypto ETFs, noting the cluster of deadlines and filings converging in October. Market commentators are watching closely for potential approval momentum that could open channels for mainstream capital flows into altcoins.
Crypto trader Daan Crypto Trades dubbed October 'ETF month' but highlighted a notable absence: the filings with October deadlines do not include applications from heavyweight issuers Fidelity or BlackRock, two firms that have historically driven substantial ETF volumes. Their absence does not preclude market movement, but it is a factor for investors evaluating potential inflows and the scale of any post-approval rally.
Could ETF approvals spark an altcoin rally?
Exchange platforms and analysts have suggested that cleared spot ETF products could catalyze an altcoin season. Bitfinex analysts argued that ETFs could make participation in altcoins more attractive to a broader investor base by lowering custody friction and perceived risk. The arrival of spot crypto ETF approvals may therefore act as a catalyst for renewed interest and price appreciation across a range of non-Bitcoin tokens.
Regulatory shifts that may speed future launches
Throughout 2025 the SEC has both delayed and advanced various ETF timelines. A notable policy change occurred on Sept. 17 when the regulator approved a new listing standard for commodity-based trust shares. That adjustment is widely viewed as reducing procedural hurdles for future spot crypto ETF listings and could shorten the timeline for launches.
Bloomberg analysts and others said the new listing standard could pave the way for a wave of spot crypto ETP launches, with ETF analysts pointing to dozens of coins with futures listings on major exchanges – potentially eligible candidates for spot ETF structures. Eric Balchunas highlighted that around 22 coins with futures on Coinbase may be candidates for 'spot ETF-ization'.
In response to the revised listing rules, asset managers have already been active: Hashdex expanded one of its crypto ETFs to include XRP, Solana and Stellar, demonstrating how asset managers can adapt product lineups quickly in the new regulatory environment.
What this means for investors
For crypto investors and institutions, the October decisions matter for portfolio construction and access. Approved spot crypto ETFs create regulated, exchange-based exposure that may attract conservative institutional capital, retirement accounts, and retail investors who prefer not to self-custody private keys. That shift could increase liquidity and reduce trading spreads for the underlying tokens.
However, investors should also weigh risks: regulatory reversals, liquidity mismatches between ETF shares and on-chain activity, and price volatility remain considerations. The SEC retains the ability to approve or reject any filing before the deadline, so uncertainty will persist until rulings are announced.
Outlook
October will be watched closely by crypto markets. With 16 spot crypto ETF deadlines clustered over the month, each approval or denial could send ripples across multiple altcoins and reshape institutional appetite. Whether this leads to a sustained altcoin rally or a short-term reshuffling of capital depends both on the SEC's decisions and how asset managers and exchanges implement approved products.
Market participants should track filings, official SEC notices, and announcements from asset managers to understand the potential timing and structure of any new spot crypto ETFs.
Source: cointelegraph
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