Solana News Today: Regulators Fast-Track Crypto ETFs, Solana and Avalanche Lead the Charge

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) potential adoption of generic listing standards for crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has positioned Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX) as key beneficiaries in a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. These proposed rules, which would allow qualifying crypto ETFs to list on exchanges without undergoing lengthy bespoke SEC reviews, could significantly streamline the approval process—from an average of 240 days to between 60 and 75 days. The move, modeled after Rule 6c-11 for traditional ETFs, aims to integrate crypto assets into mainstream financial markets and align them with established regulatory frameworks [1].

Under these standards, eligibility for listing would require tokens to demonstrate a six-month trading history on Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated futures markets. This would ensure a minimum level of maturity and market stability for qualifying tokens, while still expanding investor access to a broader range of digital assets. Solana and Avalanche, both high-performance blockchains with growing institutional interest, are among the altcoins poised to benefit from the streamlined process. The inclusion of these assets in regulated ETF structures is expected to enhance transparency, custody safeguards, and surveillance, addressing many of the concerns regulators have historically raised about crypto market infrastructure [1].

The regulatory shift is particularly significant for Solana, which has reported 57 million monthly active users and $284.2 billion in token trading volume over 30 days. The blockchain has been gaining traction among institutional investors, partly due to its high throughput, low-cost transactions, and increasing on-chain revenue. In 2025, Solana’s revenue reached $1.25 billion, outpacing Ethereum in terms of network earnings, according to DeFi Dev Corp. This performance underscores the platform’s utility beyond speculative trading, with growing adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and high-frequency trading [2].

Avalanche, while not directly referenced in the provided content, benefits from the broader regulatory trend favoring altcoin ETFs. As a high-performance blockchain designed for decentralized applications and financial infrastructure, Avalanche has attracted a range of institutional and enterprise partnerships. The proposed generic listing standards would open the door for Avalanche-based ETFs, which could include exposure to the platform’s native token (AVAX), staking-linked products, or thematic baskets focused on specific use cases. This regulatory clarity could further bolster Avalanche’s position as a scalable alternative to Ethereum and Solana [1].

The potential approval of these generic standards aligns with broader global regulatory movements. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, Hong Kong’s licensing regime, and Singapore’s capital markets approach have already established more predictable paths for digital asset products. If the SEC finalizes the rules, it would position the U.S. as a leading market for crypto innovation, attracting institutional capital and reducing the risk of regulatory arbitrage. The SEC’s recent approval of in-kind creation and redemption mechanisms for crypto ETFs in August 2025 further signals a shift toward operational efficiency and investor protection [1].

Looking ahead, the SEC is expected to issue a decision on the proposed standards by September 2025. If adopted, the first wave of altcoin ETFs—including those focused on Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and potentially Avalanche—could be listed before the end of the year. This would clear a backlog of nearly 100 ETF applications and create a foundation for innovation in crypto-index funds, thematic baskets, and hybrid products combining crypto with traditional assets. The move could also help mitigate risks associated with offshore trading platforms and unregulated crypto exchanges by bringing digital assets into the formal financial system [1].

Critics remain cautious, arguing that crypto assets may not warrant the same regulatory treatment as traditional investments. However, proponents maintain that ETFs provide the necessary safeguards—such as transparency, standardized redemption processes, and oversight from regulated exchanges—to ensure investor protection. By embedding crypto within the ETF structure, the SEC’s proposed standards aim to address these concerns while fostering broader market access and innovation.

The adoption of these rules could mark a pivotal moment for crypto markets, signaling a shift from speculative niche assets to regulated, institutional-grade investments. With growing institutional interest and regulatory momentum, Solana and Avalanche are well-positioned to benefit from a broader acceptance of digital assets within the global financial system.

Source:

[1] SEC Approval Of Listing Standards Can Mainstream ... (https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-approval-crypto-etfs)

[2] Top 10 Fastest-Growing Blockchains in 2025 by Active Users (https://cointelegraph.com/news/top-10-fastest-growing-blockchains-of-the-year-ranked-by-active-users)