October Dubbed “ETF Month” as 16 Crypto Funds Await SEC Approval

October could become one of the most pivotal months for crypto markets in 2025, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) preparing to deliver final decisions on 16 pending spot crypto ETF applications. Analysts say the outcomes could reshape altcoin trading and spark a new wave of investor enthusiasm.

• The first decision — Canary’s Litecoin ETF — is due October 2, followed by others through October 24.
• Analysts expect approvals could trigger a new altcoin rally.
• ETF expert Nate Geraci calls it an “enormous next few weeks” for the crypto ETF market.
• Major firms like BlackRock and Fidelity are not part of the October batch but remain key industry players.
• A new SEC policy on commodity-based trust shares could speed up future ETF approvals.
• Hashdex has already expanded its fund to include XRP, Solana, and Stellar (XLM) following the regulatory update.

The crypto industry is gearing up for what analysts are calling “ETF Month,” as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission prepares to make final decisions on 16 pending crypto ETF applications throughout October. These ETFs cover a mix of major altcoins — including Solana (SOL), XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and Hedera (HBAR) — all awaiting final rulings within the month.

The first decision is expected on October 2 for decentralized exchange Canary’s Litecoin ETF, followed by Grayscale’s Solana and Litecoin trust conversions on October 10. The final ruling of the month will be on WisdomTree’s XRP fund on October 24, according to data shared by Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart. The SEC may, however, issue approvals at any time before the deadlines.

ETF expert and NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci described the upcoming period as an “enormous next few weeks for spot crypto ETFs,” highlighting how the SEC’s multiple decisions could shape broader market sentiment. In a recent post on X, he emphasized that the wave of deadlines — starting with Litecoin and extending to Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, ADA, and HBAR — represents a critical moment for crypto investment vehicles.

Market participants are already speculating that ETF approvals could ignite a new altcoin rally. Analysts from Bitfinex previously forecasted that regulated exposure to altcoins through ETFs could attract institutional investors while lowering perceived risks.

Meanwhile, crypto trader Daan Crypto Trades echoed the “ETF Month” theme, noting that BlackRock and Fidelity, two of the biggest names in the ETF sector, are not part of the October approvals. He suggested their eventual entries could bring even more momentum to the market later on.

Despite the anticipation, ETF approvals are far from guaranteed. Earlier in 2025, the SEC delayed multiple applications but has since adopted a more accommodating stance toward crypto, including a September 17 policy change allowing faster listings for commodity-based trust shares. Seyffart described this update as a positive step toward a “wave of spot crypto ETP launches.”

Fellow ETF analyst Eric Balchunas agreed, pointing out that over 22 cryptocurrencies listed on Coinbase Futures could be “eligible for spot ETF-ization” under the new framework. Reflecting the industry’s optimism, asset manager Hashdex recently expanded its crypto ETF to include XRP, Solana, and Stellar (XLM) — demonstrating how firms are preparing for broader approval cycles.

Final Thought

October’s wave of ETF decisions could define the next chapter of crypto market growth. With multiple altcoin-focused funds awaiting the SEC’s green light, the industry is on the verge of potentially unlocking new liquidity, institutional participation, and market confidence. Whether or not all 16 ETFs are approved, the momentum toward regulated crypto investment products appears unstoppable.