Haciyev Reşit 
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved new accelerated standards for the listing of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move paves the way for crypto ETFs to enter public trading more quickly and marks a major milestone for dozens of pending ETF applications.
SEC’s Accelerated Approval Decision
In an official filing made on Wednesday, the SEC stated that there was “good cause” to approve the new standards early. According to the notice published in the Federal Register, the amended filings provide clearer definitions and make the requirements easier to understand.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) evaluated the changes submitted by the exchanges and stated:
“The Commission finds good cause to approve the amended filings without waiting 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.”
Joint Request from Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe
The new standards are based on regulations requested by Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX Exchange. These exchanges had asked the SEC for a rule change under “Proposed Rule 14.11(e)(4)” to allow the generic listing and trading of commodity-based trust shares.
This rule sets out the specific requirements governing the listing of commodity-based trust shares and will enable crypto asset-based ETFs to begin trading on exchanges more quickly.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins on Market Impact
SEC Chair Paul Atkins commented on the decision’s effect on the markets:
“This approval helps maximize investor choice and promote innovation by streamlining the listing process and reducing barriers to accessing digital asset products on America’s trusted capital markets.”
Approval Period Reduced from 240 Days to 75 Days
Under the current rules, exchanges must file Form 19b-4 for crypto ETFs, a procedure that can take up to 240 days. The new listing standards will reduce this timeline to just 75 days. Moreover, ETFs that meet these standards will be able to list and trade directly without requiring a 19b-4 filing.
These new rules represent a significant accelerator for the dozens of crypto ETF applications currently pending SEC approval. Funds tracking leading cryptocurrencies such as SOL, XRP, and DOGE are preparing for listing, signaling that the market will expand with a wider range of products.
Matt Hougan, CIO of crypto asset manager Bitwise, highlighted the potential of this change in a note:
“The new listing standards could completely open up the market and allow crypto ETFs to be adopted much more quickly among traditional investors.”
Grayscale’s Fund Also Approved
On the same day, the SEC also approved the listing and trading of the previously suspended Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund. This ETF consists largely of 80% Bitcoin and 11% Ethereum, with the remainder allocated to altcoins such as Solana, Cardano, and XRP. The fund is already traded over-the-counter for accredited investors and will now be able to reach a broader investor base following the approval.
Assessment
The SEC’s decision accelerates the acceptance of crypto assets in traditional financial markets. With the new standards, the listing of crypto ETFs will become both faster and more accessible. This development will not only facilitate institutional investor entry into the market but also create growth opportunities for the crypto industry within a regulatory framework.
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