A notable shift is emerging in institutional cryptocurrency investment as the fourth quarter of 2025 approaches. Several altcoins are now poised for potential approvals for Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), with October being a pivotal month that could usher in significant demand from large-scale investors and alter the landscape of cryptocurrency portfolios.
At the forefront of this movement is Ripple (XRP), which recently launched the first spot XRP ETF in the United States. The REX Osprey XRPR ETF has made headlines by achieving a remarkable $37 million in trading volume on its first day, with $24 million exchanged within the initial 90 minutes. Analysts view this as a transformative moment for XRP, with predictions suggesting it could surge towards $5 in the near future and possibly higher over time. Additionally, XRP is included in Grayscale’s new ETF, which also features Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano. Ripple’s partnerships with major institutions such as DBS and Franklin Templeton for stablecoin-backed lending and trading further bolster the case for XRP’s broader acceptance.
Solana (SOL) is also capturing significant institutional interest and is a strong candidate for ETF approval under the latest Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) criteria. With Solana futures already available on Coinbase, the pathway for a spot ETF appears relatively straightforward. Recently, funds like Galaxy have amassed billions worth of SOL. Moreover, Solana applications reported approximately $200 million in revenue for August, and the blockchain processes over 28 million trades daily—surpassing half of Nasdaq’s trading volume. Given the engagement from major asset managers in developing products on the Solana network, it is becoming a critical player in the settlement and payments sectors.
Cardano (ADA) has likewise bolstered its chances for ETF approval. Futures contracts for Cardano have already been listed, and its inclusion in Grayscale’s large-cap ETF has enhanced its standing. Current odds for approval in prediction markets are nearing 90 percent. Cardano is also witnessing increasing adoption across Europe, particularly through OpenBank, which has integrated ADA support for over 2 million users. On the blockchain, Cardano has surpassed 3 million holders, with decentralized finance (DeFi) activities gradually gaining traction, indicating a solid foundation for long-term investor confidence.
Hedera (HBAR) is another altcoin that qualifies for ETF consideration according to the new SEC guidelines. Grayscale has expressed interest by filing for a Hedera trust, indicating institutional investor engagement. In addition to ETF potential, Hedera is advancing through projects like the Frontier Stablecoin initiative in Wyoming and enterprise solutions that facilitate blockchain implementation. While it may not enjoy the visibility of XRP or Solana, Hedera’s concentration on regulatory compliance and enterprise use cases positions it favorably for future growth.
As this landscape evolves, investors and enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed about developments in the cryptocurrency sphere, keeping an eye on breaking news, expert analyses, and real-time updates concerning Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and other related trends.
The prospects for altcoin ETFs hinge on a series of criteria that include trading regulated futures contracts, providing adequate market liquidity, and demonstrating strong institutional demand. These factors are crucial for the SEC as it deliberates over potential approvals, making the upcoming months significant for the future of cryptocurrency investments.
