Solana News Today: SEC's Green Light Could Catalyze Mainstream Crypto Adoption via Solana ETF

Bitwise Asset Management is set to launch the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (ticker: BSOL) on the Cboe BZX Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds. The ETF, which includes a staking feature and a 0.20% annual management fee, aims to capitalize on growing institutional and retail demand for yield-generating crypto exposure. This move positions Bitwise as a key player in a rapidly expanding market, with the firm waiving fees for the first three months or until $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) is reached.

The staking functionality allows the ETF to earn rewards from Solana's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, offering investors returns beyond price appreciation. This innovation aligns with broader trends in crypto ETF design, where active participation in blockchain ecosystems is becoming a differentiator. The 0.20% fee, consistent with Bitwise's fees for its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, reflects a competitive strategy to attract inflows. Analysts note that low fees historically correlate with strong investor adoption, and Bitwise's aggressive pricing mirrors the competitive dynamics seen during the 2024 Bitcoin ETF approvals.

Regulatory developments have also accelerated the approval timeline for crypto ETFs. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced new listing standards in September 2025, reducing approval periods from 240 to 75 days. However, a government shutdown beginning October 1 has delayed non-urgent reviews, including crypto ETF filings. Despite this, Bloomberg analysts suggest the SEC may still process applications by its October 16 deadline for the Bitwise Solana ETF. If approved, the fund will trade under the ticker BSOL and be physically backed by Solana's spot assets.

Market reactions to the ETF filing have been positive. Solana's price surged over 4% in the 24 hours following the announcement, outpacing broader crypto market gains. This momentum is supported by a $6 billion institutional bet from Hong Kong-based Helius, which plans to acquire 5% of Solana's circulating supply once regulatory and market conditions are met. The move underscores growing institutional confidence in Solana's scalability and technical advantages, with Helius drawing parallels to Japan's Metaplanet Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Bitwise's Solana ETF faces competition from other major players, including 21Shares and Grayscale, both of which have filed staking-enabled Solana ETFs. The competitive landscape is further intensified by 21Shares' recent enhancement of its Ethereum ETF with staking and fee waivers. Analysts predict a "fee war" among issuers, with Bitwise's ultra-low fee setting a new benchmark and potentially triggering further price reductions. This competition aligns with broader industry trends, as firms seek to capture market share in a space projected to see substantial inflows once regulatory hurdles are cleared.

The potential approval of the Solana ETF represents a regulatory shift toward mainstream acceptance of crypto assets. The SEC's recent openness to spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has created a precedent, with Chair Paul Atkins signaling a more permissive stance. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that a Solana ETF could attract $3–6 billion in inflows, driven by institutional demand for diversified, yield-generating exposure. This aligns with Bitwise's broader strategy to expand its digital asset product offerings, maintaining consistent fee structures across its portfolio to simplify investor decisions.

Technical indicators also support optimism. Solana's price recently reclaimed key Fibonacci levels, with the RSI and MACD histogram suggesting bullish momentum without overbought pressure. However, analysts caution that trading volumes remain subdued, reflecting investor caution ahead of the SEC's October 16 decision. The outcome of this regulatory review will be critical, as delays could prolong market uncertainty but also create buying opportunities during dips.

[1] TheCryptoTimes (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/09/bitwise-amends-its-solana-etf-filing-ahead-of-sec-approval/)

[2] Invezz (https://invezz.com/news/2025/10/09/solana-etf-fee-cuts-and-6b-bet-send-sol-price-into-overdrive/)

[4] Coingape (https://coingape.com/bitwise-solana-etf-launch-this-week-amends-staking-fees-bloomberg-weighs-in/)

[5] CoinCentral (https://coincentral.com/bitwise-unveils-solana-etf-with-0-20-fee-and-staking-for-investors/)

[6] Cryptopolitan (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/bitwise-sets-0-20-fee-for-solana-staking-etf/)

[7] FinanceFeeds (https://financefeeds.com/bitwise-adds-staking-feature-to-its-proposed-solana-etf/)

[8] TheBlock (https://www.theblock.co/post/330893/crypto-etfs-in-2025-whats-to-come-for-solana-hedera-and-more)

[10] CoinPedia (https://coinpedia.org/information/solana-etf-explained-key-players-approval-timelines-and-market-impact/)