XRP News Today: SEC Delays 21Shares Polkadot ETF Decision to November 2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again delayed its decision on the 21Shares Polkadot (DOT) Spot Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), pushing the review deadline to November 8, 2025. This extension is part of the SEC's thorough review process for cryptocurrency-based investments, which was initially set for June 24, 2025. The delay allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the proposal and its potential market implications.

The proposed ETF aims to track the performance of Polkadot (DOT), a leading Layer 0 blockchain network designed for interoperability among various chains. A positive decision would mark a significant milestone in expanding crypto access through traditional financial markets. The SEC's cautious approach to cryptocurrency ETFs is evident in its meticulous assessment of digital asset-related financial products. This trend is seen in the delays faced by other cryptocurrency ETFs, including those proposed by Grayscale and involving altcoins such as XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE). The regulatory body often extends review periods to gather more public comments and conduct thorough evaluations, reflecting its commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of the financial markets.

Despite the delay, analysts remain optimistic about the eventual approval of the 21Shares Polkadot ETF. The SEC’s engaged approach, while cautious, indicates a high likelihood of approval by the final decision deadline. This optimism is based on the strong engagement from the SEC, which is seen as a positive sign for the future of these financial products. The analysts predict that the approval process may extend beyond October, but the likelihood of approval remains high.

Following the delay, the price of DOT experienced a slight dip, falling from just over $5 to around $4.80. Despite the drop, daily trading volume remained solid, indicating ongoing investor interest. Analysts attribute the price movement more to short-term disappointment than to any fundamental issues with the Polkadot network. Investors are likely adopting a “wait and see” approach as they monitor broader regulatory trends.

Polkadot is not alone in facing delays. The SEC has also deferred decisions on ETFs tied to Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and HBAR. This reflects the Commission’s broader effort to thoroughly assess the market structure, custody protocols, and investor protections tied to digital asset funds. With over 70 crypto ETF applications under review, including products from major firms, the backlog has become a major storyline in the regulatory space. The next few months will be crucial for setting the tone on how spot crypto ETFs are evaluated and approved.

Investor interest remains strong, as evidenced by Polkadot's 8.5% price increase following the announcement. Market optimism is bolstered by positive analyst outlooks and reduced geopolitical risks, contributing to the price movement. This decision plays into broader regulatory dynamics, affecting sentiment around cryptocurrency assets, including related altcoins. The SEC's cautious stance reflects the complex regulatory environment surrounding crypto assets.

Historically, SEC delays have resulted in temporary volatility but are often followed by a price rebound once procedural clarity is achieved. Analysts remain optimistic about future approvals, predicting a favorable outcome. The SEC’s engaged approach, while cautious, indicates a high likelihood of approval by the final decision deadline. This optimism is based on the strong engagement from the SEC, which is seen as a positive sign for the future of these financial products. The analysts predict that the approval process may extend beyond October, but the likelihood of approval remains high.