Bitwise Races to List Solana Spot ETP as Crypto Funds Market Heats Up

The Cboe BZX Exchange has just filed to list a spot Solana ETP from Bitwise Asset Management. Bitwise now joins VanEck and Canary Capital in the race for SEC approval.

The Cboe BZX Exchange filed to list a spot Solana exchange-traded product (ETP) from Bitwise Asset Management on Friday. The filing marks a significant development in the crypto industry, as Bitwise joins VanEck and Canary Capital in the race for U.S. SEC approval for a Solana (SOL) exchange-traded fund (ETF).

The proposed ETP will directly hold SOL, the native token of the Solana blockchain and the third-largest crypto asset in the world. The ETP will initially operate as a cash-settled product, but Bitwise aims to eventually transition the product to a physically backed structure, allowing investors to directly own SOL tokens, making it a truly unique investment vehicle.

The move comes as the crypto market rebounds from recent lows, driven by Bitcoin’s rallies, and signals a transformative phase for the crypto industry. As major investment firms like Grayscale and Bitwise introduce crypto index funds and spot ETFs for large cap assets, and SOL-linked ETFs are already trading in Europe on platforms like Euronext and Skeptra, highlighting the growing appetite for altcoin-focused funds.

However, skepticism remains in the U.S. market due to regulatory hurdles and the absence of a futures market for Solana. Approvals for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs were largely aided by the existence of futures markets, which addressed concerns about fraud and market manipulation.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed apprehension about altcoin ETFs, citing the potential for abuse in markets without established futures mechanisms. Experts believe that introducing a Solana futures ETF could serve as a precursor to securing spot ETF approval.

Another major hurdle is Solana’s classification as a security under certain conditions. Unlike commodities like Bitcoin or Ethereum, securities require adherence to stricter disclosure and reporting standards. This classification complicates the approval process, as ETFs linked to securities must meet heightened regulatory requirements.

However, the landscape could shift with changes in U.S. political and regulatory leadership. A crypto-friendly administration, coupled with a new SEC chair open to innovation, might redefine the framework governing altcoin ETFs. Analysts suggest that rising institutional interest in Solana and evolving policies could create a favorable environment for its ETF approval.