Emre Yumlu 
As institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow, Nasdaq has taken a significant step in bridging traditional finance with digital assets. A recently filed 8-K form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveals plans to broaden the exchange’s crypto benchmark index.
XRP, SOL, ADA, and XLM Set for Inclusion
Nasdaq’s current index tracks just five digital assets. With the new proposal, this number is set to rise to nine. The four new crypto assets proposed for inclusion are:
-
XRP (Ripple)
-
SOL (Solana)
-
ADA (Cardano)
-
XLM (Stellar)
This planned expansion aims to offer a more accurate reflection of the evolving crypto market, particularly for institutional portfolios seeking diversified blockchain exposure.
A Turning Point for U.S. Crypto ETFs?
The potential inclusion of these assets represents more than just an index update — it may signal a broader shift in how digital assets are being integrated into regulated financial products in the United States. This could strengthen the bridge between decentralized technologies and traditional finance.
Market analysts suggest that if the SEC grants approval, it could not only boost attention to these specific tokens but also encourage deeper involvement in staking and DeFi protocols. A decision from the SEC is expected on November 2, 2025.
Institutional Capital Eyes New Opportunities
Nasdaq’s move is attracting cautious optimism from investors and market professionals alike. Projects like XRP, which currently boasts a market cap of over $130 billion, have recently shown notable momentum — a signal that large-scale investors are taking note.
Adding these altcoins to the index may unlock institutional access to blockchain ecosystems with diverse real-world use cases, offering broader exposure than legacy crypto benchmarks.
Furthermore, this strategy could foster innovation in ETF products, leading to a more mature and flexible investment landscape for digital assets.
What Comes Next? Approval Process and Outlook
Despite the bold step, Nasdaq’s proposal must still navigate a thorough review process. Each asset will be assessed against SEC criteria including regulatory compliance, market liquidity, and transparency.
Ongoing advancements in blockchain infrastructure, as well as potential shifts in U.S. crypto regulations, are likely to influence the final outcome. Experts emphasize the need for robust governance and investor protections to ensure long-term credibility in the crypto ETF space.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.