October 2025 could mark a turning point for the crypto industry, as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) faces final deadlines on 16 exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. Unlike previous filings focused mainly on itcoin">Bitcoin and Ether, this round includes proposals for altcoins such as Solana, XRP, and Litecoin, raising hopes for a broader range of crypto investment products.
The momentum comes after the SEC approved new “generic listing standards” in September, which streamline the approval process for ETFs tied to spot commodities, including digital assets. Analysts say this change could accelerate the launch of altcoin-based ETFs by removing the need for case-by-case rule adjustments that had long slowed progress. Support from both political parties has also reinforced the sense that crypto is gaining a permanent place in U.S. financial markets.
Industry experts note that investor appetite for altcoin ETFs may not match the record-breaking inflows seen with itcoin">Bitcoin. However, assets like Solana and XRP stand out due to their active futures markets. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart suggested that basket or index funds might see stronger long-term demand, while Grayscale has already begun experimenting with diversified crypto ETPs as a “one-stop shop” for exposure.
If approvals come through, analysts expect a rapid expansion of crypto investment vehicles, ranging from staking-focused ETFs to leveraged and inverse products. Whether October brings immediate inflows or sets the stage for future growth, the consensus is clear: altcoin ETFs are closer than ever to entering mainstream U.S. markets.
