tl;dr
The SEC's pending decisions on 16 crypto ETFs in October could spark a major altcoin rally and reshape institutional investment in digital assets.
**Crypto ETF Boom Looms in October as SEC Nears Final Decisions**
The cryptocurrency industry is on the cusp of a significant milestone as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares to make final decisions on 16 crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in October. This development could mark a pivotal moment for digital assets, potentially sparking a new altcoin rally and expanding institutional access to the market.
### Key ETF Deadlines and Altcoins in Focus
Several major altcoins are at the center of the upcoming approvals, with deadlines spread throughout October. The first major decision arrives on **October 2** for **Canary’s Litecoin ETF**, followed by **Grayscale’s Solana (SOL) and Litecoin trust conversions** on **October 10**. The month will conclude with **WisdomTree’s XRP fund** on **October 24**, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart.
Other altcoins, including **Dogecoin (DOGE)**, **Litecoin (LTC)**, **Solana (SOL)**, and **XRP**, are also under review, with the SEC having the flexibility to approve any or all of these ETFs before their respective deadlines. Analysts suggest that the approvals could trigger a broader “altcoin season,” as ETFs offer investors a more regulated and less volatile way to gain exposure to digital assets.
### Analysts Predict “Enormous” ETF Momentum
Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management and an ETF analyst, emphasized the significance of the upcoming weeks, calling them “enormous” for spot crypto ETFs. He highlighted that the approvals could extend to **Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Hedera (HBAR)**, among others.
Meanwhile, crypto trader Daan Crypto Trades labeled October “ETF month,” though he noted the absence of major players **Fidelity** and **BlackRock** from the list of ETF filers. Despite this, he suggested the month could still deliver “something to watch out for.”
### SEC’s Evolving Stance and Regulatory Shifts
The SEC has faced criticism for delayed decisions on crypto ETFs throughout 2025, but recent policy changes signal a more accommodating approach. On **September 17**, the regulator approved a new listing standard for commodity-based trust shares, streamlining the path for future spot crypto ETFs.
Bloomberg’s Seyffart described this move as a positive step toward a “wave of spot crypto ETP launches.” ETF analyst Eric Balchunas echoed this sentiment, pointing to **22 coins with futures on Coinbase** that could soon qualify for spot ETFs.
### Market Implications and Outlook
The potential approval of these ETFs has ignited optimism about the crypto market’s next phase. Bitfinex analysts previously speculated that ETFs could catalyze an altcoin rally by reducing perceived risks for investors. With the SEC’s increased openness and the growing list of eligible assets, the industry is bracing for a transformative period.
As October unfolds, all eyes will be on the SEC’s decisions, which could redefine how investors access and engage with digital assets. Whether the regulatory body greenlights these ETFs or continues its cautious approach, the crypto landscape is poised for significant evolution in the coming weeks.