Crypto ETF Boom: 72 Funds Await SEC Approval in 2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently facing a flood of crypto-related ETF applications, with 72 filings now awaiting regulatory review. On April 21, Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted the mounting interest among issuers hoping to capitalize on what many see as a more crypto-friendly stance by the SEC.

These ETFs span a wide range of digital assets—from major altcoins like XRP, Solana, and Litecoin, to NFT tokens, memecoins, and even leveraged products, such as a fund betting on the Melania Trump-inspired memecoin. Notably, Turtle Capital, based in the Cayman Islands, has filed for 10 leveraged crypto funds alone.

“There are now 72 crypto-related ETFs sitting with the SEC... Everything from XRP, Litecoin and Solana to Penguins, Doge and 2x Melania and everything in between. Gonna be a wild year,” Balchunas commented.

XRP, Solana, and Litecoin Lead ETF Filing Race

Source: Kaiko Reasearch and SEC, EDGAR

Among the avalanche of ETF proposals, XRP emerges as the front-runner, with 10 individual ETF filings as of April 15. Close behind is Solana, with five filings, indicating rising institutional interest in the two altcoins.

Litecoin (LTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE) are tied for third place, each with three ETF applications. These assets, known for their decentralization and community backing, continue to attract ETF issuers. Dogecoin, in particular, benefits from high-profile endorsements, especially from Elon Musk, keeping it in the media spotlight.

ETFs: A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and Crypto

Crypto ETFs are increasingly being seen as a gateway for retail and institutional investors seeking exposure to digital assets without the complexities of self-custody. Instead of holding crypto directly, these funds offer a more regulated and accessible pathway to participate in the growing market.

ETFs also bring compliance and oversight benefits, as they must meet strict regulatory requirements, especially in terms of custody, disclosures, and risk management.

What This Means for the Crypto Market

The growing number of ETF applications could mark a major shift in crypto adoption across the financial world. If approved, these ETFs have the potential to increase liquidity, attract institutional capital, and further normalize cryptocurrency investing within traditional markets.

As the SEC reviews these filings, the crypto community is bracing for what could be a transformative year in crypto-financial integration.