Polkadot News Today: Grayscale Files Cardano ETF, Raising Hopes for ADA Breakout and Institutional Adoption

Grayscale’s recent regulatory filings for both Cardano (ADA) and Polkadot (DOT) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have intensified market speculation about the potential for ADA to surpass $0.88 and for DOT to approach $5.70. As of late August 2025, the odds of the Cardano ETF receiving approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have surged to 87%, a 11% increase in a single week, according to Polymarket data. This marks a significant rebound from a low of 75% in late August and reflects the momentum Grayscale has generated through its regulatory initiatives.

Grayscale submitted an amended S-1 filing with the SEC for the Cardano ETF, which, if approved, would be listed on NYSE Arca under the ticker GADA. The ETF would directly hold ADA and avoid using leverage or derivatives, with custody services provided by Coinbase Custody to ensure institutional-grade security. This approach mirrors Grayscale’s strategies for its existing crypto trusts and highlights the firm’s long-term commitment to expanding its ETF product lineup in the crypto market.

For ADA, the current price is hovering near key support levels, with analysts noting that a clean breakout above $0.88 could trigger a significant rally toward the $1.10–$1.11 range. A successful ETF launch could serve as a catalyst for institutional adoption, enhancing ADA’s visibility and liquidity. Similarly, Polkadot’s price has been consolidating around $3.80, and analysts suggest a potential move toward $5.70 if the ETF narrative gains traction. The filing for the DOT ETF follows a similar regulatory path, with 21Shares having updated its SEC application and a decision expected by November 2025. If approved, the ETF would bring DOT into the fold of mainstream investment portfolios, potentially increasing demand from both retail and institutional investors.

The broader regulatory landscape for crypto ETFs is evolving, with the SEC currently processing 96 separate applications—the largest number in its history. While the Cardano ETF decision has been delayed and is now expected by October 26, 2025, recent regulatory changes, such as the clarification that certain staking activities are not considered securities, have contributed to a more favorable environment for crypto products. This shift reflects the SEC’s ongoing efforts to balance innovation with investor protection.

Market observers are also paying close attention to Polkadot’s upcoming technical upgrades and its role in the Web3 ecosystem. Polkadot is set to introduce Elastic Scaling and JAM, a virtual machine system, which are expected to enhance its functionality and scalability. These developments, combined with the potential ETF approval, could position DOT as a key player in the transition of Web3 from concept to practical application. Additionally, Polkadot’s planned halving event in March 2026, which will reduce token supply growth by 50%, may further strengthen its fundamentals and attract long-term investors.

Despite the optimism surrounding both ADA and DOT, the market remains cautious. While Grayscale’s regulatory efforts have raised the likelihood of ETF approvals, uncertainties remain regarding the SEC’s final decisions. The potential for institutional adoption is clear, but whether these developments will be enough to push ADA above $0.88 or DOT toward $5.70 will depend on broader market dynamics, regulatory outcomes, and the performance of the underlying assets.

Source:

[1] Cardano ETF Approval Odds Jumps as Grayscale Files ... (https://coingape.com/cardano-etf-approval-odds-jumps-as-grayscale-files-amended-s-1-with-sec/)

[2] Cardano ETF Approval Odds Soar to 87% After Grayscale ... (https://coincentral.com/cardano-etf-approval-odds-soar-to-87-after-grayscale-s-1-filing/)

[3] Can Grayscale ETFs Push ADA Above $0.88 and DOT ... (https://coinedition.com/grayscale-cardano-dot-etf-filing-price-analysis/)

[4] Prediction: Polkadot Will Boom in 2026 (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/prediction-polkadot-will-boom-2026)

[5] Polkadot ETF Sparks Rally — Is DOT Still Among the Best ... (https://coincentral.com/polkadot-etf-sparks-rally-is-dot-still-among-the-best-altcoins-to-buy-before-15/)