The crypto world is on the edge of a seismic shift—and it might happen faster than you think. Imagine this: within the next two weeks, several Solana staking ETFs could secure US regulatory green lights, potentially reshaping how mainstream investors access the blockchain space. But here's where it gets controversial: will this approval mark the beginning of mass institutional adoption, or is it just a fleeting spark in a volatile market? Let’s dive into the details.
Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management and a prominent voice in the ETF sphere, recently dropped a bombshell on X (formerly Twitter). He boldly predicted that applications for Solana staking ETFs from major players like Franklin Templeton, Fidelity Investments, CoinShares, and Bitwise Asset Management could be approved by mid-October. This forecast comes after these firms filed updated S-1 documents with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The S-1 form is essentially a financial roadmap for an ETF, detailing everything from risk factors to the specific assets it plans to hold. Geraci’s confidence? It’s rooted in the SEC’s recent shift toward more flexible crypto regulations, including the approval of generic listing standards for digital asset ETFs—a move that could fast-track approvals for multiple products.
And this is the part most people miss: the first Solana staking ETF, launched by REX-Osprey, already hit a $33 million trading volume and attracted $12 million in inflows on its debut day back in August. Meanwhile, Pantera Capital—a firm known for its bullish stance on crypto—has labeled Solana (SOL) as the “next in line” for a major institutional push. Their reasoning? Compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum, Solana remains significantly under-owned by traditional finance players, creating a ripe opportunity for growth.
But wait—there’s more. Geraci also pointed to other developments that could amplify the momentum. For instance, Hyperliquid (HYPE), a decentralized exchange, recently filed for its own ETF, and the SEC’s new generic listing rules could pave the way for a flood of similar applications. “Get ready for October,” Geraci wrote, hinting at a potential avalanche of approvals.
Meanwhile, Bitwise’s Hunter Horsley highlighted another encouraging sign: their European Solana staking ETP (exchange-traded product) saw a staggering $60 million in inflows over just five trading days. That’s not just noise—it’s a signal that institutional interest is heating up.
Now, here’s a twist: While Solana’s staking ETFs are grabbing headlines, the same regulatory winds could also benefit Ethereum (ETH). Geraci noted that the inclusion of staking in recent Solana filings is a positive omen for Ethereum ETFs, which are still waiting for SEC approval to offer staking rewards. Markus Thielen of 10x Research echoed this sentiment, arguing that Ethereum ETFs with staking could “dramatically reshape the market” by boosting yields for investors.
But not everyone is celebrating. Some analysts, like those from Bitfinex, warn that a broad altcoin rally—often dubbed “altseason”—might still be delayed until more crypto ETFs gain approval. After all, staking ETFs give investors exposure to lower-risk assets, which could temper demand for riskier altcoins in the short term.
So, what does this mean for you? If Geraci’s timeline holds, October could become a watershed moment for Solana and the broader crypto market. But here’s the million-dollar question: Will this wave of approvals finally bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance, or will regulatory hurdles continue to stifle innovation?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you bullish on Solana’s ETF prospects, or do you think the SEC is playing catch-up in a rapidly evolving industry? Drop your opinions in the comments below—we’re all ears!
