The Securities and Exchange Commission extended review periods for seven proposed cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds until October 2025, marking another round of deferrals that has become characteristic of the agency's cautious approach to digital asset investment products.
What to Know:
- The SEC delayed decisions on seven crypto ETFs including XRP, Litecoin, and staking Ethereum funds until October 2025
- New deadlines range from October 8 to October 23, 2025, affecting products from major firms like Grayscale, CoinShares, and 21Shares
- Market prediction platforms show approval odds dropping slightly, with Litecoin ETF chances at 79% and XRP ETF at 77%
The commission's latest actions, detailed in filings released August 18, 2025, affect a diverse range of proposed funds. The Truth Social Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF received an extension until October 8, 2025. Four XRP-focused products from different sponsors face deadlines between October 18 and October 23.
The Grayscale XRP Trust deadline sits at October 18, 2025.
The 21Shares Core XRP ETF follows one day later on October 19. Both the CoinShares XRP ETF and Canary XRP Trust received October 23 deadlines, alongside the CoinShares Litecoin ETF and 21Shares Core Ethereum ETF with staking provisions.
"The Commission finds it appropriate to designate a longer period within which to issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein," the regulator stated in its filing.
These delays follow the SEC's recent postponement of four Solana ETF decisions until October. The pattern reflects the agency's methodical review process for cryptocurrency investment products, which has consistently extended beyond initial timeframes.
Market Response and Approval Odds
Prediction markets responded to the news with modest shifts in approval probabilities. Polymarket traders now assign a 79% likelihood to Litecoin ETF approval by year-end, down from 82% the previous day.
XRP ETF approval odds decreased slightly to 77% from 77.6%. These percentages reflect market sentiment about regulatory outcomes despite the extended review periods.
The cryptocurrency industry continues monitoring these developments closely. Project sponsors and institutional investors remain in a holding pattern as October deadlines approach.
Understanding Crypto ETFs and Regulatory Framework
Exchange-traded funds provide traditional investors access to cryptocurrency exposure without direct ownership of digital assets. These investment vehicles trade on stock exchanges like conventional ETFs while tracking underlying crypto prices.
Staking ETFs, such as the proposed 21Shares Ethereum product, would allow investors to earn rewards from blockchain network participation. XRP ETFs would provide exposure to the digital asset associated with cross-border payment solutions. Litecoin ETFs would track the cryptocurrency often called "digital silver" for its similarity to Bitcoin.
The SEC evaluates these products under existing securities regulations. The agency examines market structure, custody arrangements, and potential manipulation risks before granting approval.
Closing Thoughts
The October 2025 deadlines represent another chapter in the ongoing regulatory evaluation of cryptocurrency ETFs. While delays have become routine, the extended review periods indicate thorough examination of complex financial products that could reshape institutional cryptocurrency access.