Dogecoin News Today: Dogecoin’s Regulatory Breakthrough: How a Meme Coin Gained Institutional Access

The first U.S. Dogecoin (DOGE) exchange-traded fund (ETF) could launch as early as next week, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. REX Shares and Osprey Funds have filed an effective prospectus with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, also known as the “40 Act,” which allows the ETF to bypass the regulatory delays associated with traditional spot crypto ETFs. The new ETF, ticker DOJE, will be the first in the U.S. to offer direct exposure to Dogecoin, a memecoin that started as a joke but has since become a cultural icon in the cryptocurrency space [2].

The structure of the REX-Osprey DOGE ETF is similar to REX’s earlier Solana staking ETF, which was approved using the 40 Act. This approach allows the fund to avoid the more restrictive and time-consuming Form S-1 and 19b-4 filings typically required for crypto ETFs. The 40 Act pathway has been described as a “regulatory end-around” by ETF Store President Nate Geraci, enabling quicker market entry compared to the traditional route [2]. By investing at least 80% of its assets in Dogecoin or instruments tied to its price performance, the fund aims to provide a regulated and accessible investment vehicle for both institutional and retail investors [2].

Dogecoin has seen significant price action in recent months, climbing 116.67% over the past year but currently trading near $0.2129 after peaking at $0.4672 in December 2024. The ETF filing comes as the token consolidates in a tight trading range, with key technical levels at $0.21 and $0.235. Analysts suggest that a breakout above $0.235 on strong volume could trigger a rally toward $0.28–$0.30, especially if the ETF approval is announced soon [2]. However, the long-term viability of the price action will depend on broader adoption, liquidity, and institutional inflows, as Dogecoin lacks the utility and staking yield offered by more established cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Solana [2].

The potential approval of the DOJE ETF represents a milestone for memecoins and marks a shift in regulatory acceptance. The SEC has been reviewing a total of 92 crypto ETF applications, including several other Dogecoin proposals from 21Shares, Bitwise, and Grayscale. Unlike those applications, which are still pending under the traditional regulatory process, REX’s 40 Act structure could allow it to bypass delays and gain quicker market access [2]. If approved, the ETF will not only expand the investor base for Dogecoin but could also create arbitrage opportunities between the ETF and the spot market, potentially deepening liquidity for the token [2].

The broader implications of the DOJE ETF extend beyond Dogecoin. It signals that the U.S. market is becoming more open to a wider range of crypto assets, including those with speculative or meme-driven narratives. Dogecoin, which has maintained cultural relevance through high-profile endorsements—most notably from Elon Musk—could see renewed institutional interest if the ETF gains traction. This could be especially impactful given the token’s low price and high liquidity, making it an attractive entry point for investors seeking exposure to the crypto sector [2].

Source:

[1] DOGE ETF Coming Soon: Can It Trigger the Next Rally? (https://cryptoticker.io/en/doge-etf-coming-soon-can-it-trigger-the-next-rally/)

[2] First Dogecoin ETF May Debut in the US Next Week (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/first-dogecoin-etf-may-debut-042810821.html)