The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced new generic listing standards for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) in October 2025. This guidance removes the requirement for individual 19(b) approvals for qualifying crypto ETPs and eliminates the previous 240-day waiting period for fund approvals. These changes simplify and accelerate the process for launching new crypto ETPs.
Overview of SEC's New Guidance on Crypto ETPs
The SEC's release of generic listing standards marks a significant regulatory shift. By establishing a clear playbook for issuers, the SEC allows qualifying crypto assets to be listed more efficiently. This removes the lengthy approval procedures that previously delayed new crypto ETP launches, enabling a faster market response to investor demand.
Predicted Growth of Crypto ETPs in 2026
Based on the SEC's updated rules, Bitwise researcher Ryan Rasmussen forecasts that over 100 new crypto-linked ETPs will launch in 2026. These products will cover a broad range of strategies, including spot crypto, index funds, equities, smart beta, and momentum-based ETPs. The current market already includes more than 300 crypto ETPs, indicating a rapidly expanding investment landscape.
Implications for Investors and the Crypto Market
The expanded menu of crypto ETPs offers investors greater choice and diversification opportunities. The availability of more altcoin-focused ETPs could also signal the beginning of an altcoin season, as broader exposure beyond major cryptocurrencies becomes accessible. This development enhances market accessibility and may encourage increased participation in the crypto asset space.
Expert Opinions on the SEC's Policy Change
Industry experts have welcomed the SEC's policy update. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart described it as a positive step toward a surge in spot crypto ETP launches. Seoyoung Kim, a finance professor at Santa Clara University, noted that the new rules could reduce ETF approval times from years to months, particularly benefiting products beyond well-established categories like Bitcoin and Ether. Historically, it has been nearly 15 years since Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss filed for the first Bitcoin ETF, yet the market remains relatively limited, underscoring the significance of these regulatory changes.
Why This Matters
For miners and crypto investors in Russia, the SEC's new guidance means a faster and more diverse range of investment products will become available. Although the regulatory changes originate in the US, they influence global market dynamics, potentially affecting liquidity and demand for various crypto assets. The removal of long approval delays can lead to quicker market responses and more options for portfolio allocation, which may indirectly impact mining profitability and strategy.
What Should Miners Do?
- Stay informed about new crypto ETP launches to understand market trends and investor sentiment.
- Monitor altcoin-focused ETPs as their growth could signal shifts in demand for mined cryptocurrencies.
- Consider how increased market accessibility might affect the broader crypto ecosystem and mining rewards.
