Cardano News Today: SEC's Prolonged ETF Review Keeps ADA Trapped at $0.85, Fueling Institutional Anticipation

Cardano (ADA) is consolidating near $0.85 as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reviews multiple spot ETF applications for the cryptocurrency, with a final decision expected in late October 2025. Two major filings-Grayscale Cardano Trust and Tuttle Capital 2X Cardano ETF-have drawn attention, with deadlines pushed to October 23 and October 10, respectively, due to prolonged regulatory scrutiny and the ongoing U.S. government shutdownFull List of Cardano ETF Filing with SEC: Dates, Deadlines^[1]. The SEC has cited the need for additional time to assess investor protections and market structure, a pattern consistent with prior crypto ETF reviewsCardano SEC Approval: What It Means for ADA ETF Investors^[2].

The delay has created uncertainty in the market, with ADA's price hovering near key support levels. Analysts note that approval of a Cardano ETF could catalyze institutional adoption, mirroring the trajectory of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which saw increased liquidity and price stability post-approvalCardano SEC Approval: What It Means for ADA ETF Investors^[2]. Grayscale's proposed ADA ETF, which seeks to convert its existing trust into a spot ETF, has been amended multiple times since its initial filing in February 2025Cardano SEC Approval: What It Means for ADA ETF Investors^[2]. The fund's ticker, GADA, is set to list on NYSE Arca, expanding Grayscale's altcoin exposure beyond Bitcoin and EthereumFull List of Cardano ETF Filing with SEC: Dates, Deadlines^[1].

Regulatory challenges persist, with the SEC's cautious approach reflecting broader concerns about crypto market integrity. The agency's extended review period has been exacerbated by limited staffing during the government shutdown, pushing back deadlines for several ETF applicationsFull List of Cardano ETF Filing with SEC: Dates, Deadlines^[1]. For Cardano, this delay has tempered short-term market enthusiasm, though institutional interest remains strong. The blockchain's focus on scalable smart contracts and energy-efficient technology has positioned it as a candidate for regulated investment vehiclesCardano SEC Approval: What It Means for ADA ETF Investors^[2].

Market participants are closely watching ADA's price action and liquidity metrics. CoinGlass data indicates that ADA could face significant short-term volatility if the SEC's decision remains unresolved. However, long-term optimism persists, with analysts suggesting that approval could drive the price toward $1.30, assuming institutional inflows materializeFull List of Cardano ETF Filing with SEC: Dates, Deadlines^[1]. The ETF's potential to simplify ADA exposure for traditional investors could further solidify Cardano's role in institutional portfoliosCardano SEC Approval: What It Means for ADA ETF Investors^[2].

The SEC's handling of Cardano's ETF application underscores the evolving regulatory landscape for crypto assets. While delays are common in crypto ETF approvals, the October deadline marks a critical juncture for Cardano's institutional adoption. As the agency finalizes its review, market observers will monitor for signals that could indicate the broader acceptance of altcoin-based ETFs in the U.S. marketFull List of Cardano ETF Filing with SEC: Dates, Deadlines^[1].