SEC Begins Formal Review of Grayscale Litecoin Trust

Another turning point in the continuous development of crypto-based investment products, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun to officially examine the suggested listing of the Grayscale Litecoin Trust on NYSE Arca.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially commenced examining the proposed listing of the Grayscale Litecoin Trust on NYSE Arca, according to a notice published on May 13. This installment signals the next turning point in the ongoing development of crypto-based investment products.

While the varsity is slowly rolling out its approval of crypto ETFs amid rising public interest, this pending application faces difficulties in light of the setbacks faced by Grayscale in launching a spot Bitcoin ETF.

The trust, which would hold only Litecoin and reflect its daily market value (less expenses), aims to provide investors with a new avenue to gain exposure to LTC through a regulated exchange product.

Shares would be traded on the New York Stock Exchange’s Arca exchange under its Rule 8.201-E, a regulation tailored for Commodity-Based Trust Shares, according to the proposed rule, which was initially submitted on January 24 and later amended on February 3.

The value of the ETF would be determined using the CoinDesk LTX Index, which calculates the Litecoin price based on data aggregated from several major digital asset trading platforms at 4:00 p.m. ET on business days.

Grayscale’s endeavor to introduce a Litecoin-based product to the public market comes amid an institutional push for varied crypto investment possibilities. Often called the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold,” Litecoin has enjoyed considerable retail and institutional interest due to its faster transaction times and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. However, for the U.S. markets, issuing a spot LTC ETF would be a noteworthy first.

The SEC has been moving slowly and cautiously with issuing crypto ETFs despite the market’s anticipation. The Bitcoin ETF realm has seen the most significant development; a flurry of spot Bitcoin ETFs were authorized earlier this year, including those from BlackRock and Fidelity. However, for altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and now Litecoin, regulatory acceptance seems elusive.

The Commission plans to determine, among other things, whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Exchange and, in light of such matters, whether the proposed rule change is unduly discriminatory to, or competitive with, another security or class of security or is contrary to the public interest or tends to create a monopoly or is in restraint of trade.

The notice period for public submissions will close 21 days after publication in the Federal Register, with rebuttal comments due 35 days after.

Those wishing to submit comments electronically should use the Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission may delete any street address, telephone number, or email address for privacy concerns.

The Commission has determined that, in light of the comments received, it is appropriate to institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change.

"The Commission notes that it is not prejudging the issues posed by this application. As the apex regulator, the Commission has a broad responsibility for the protection of investors and the public interest more generally. This responsibility extends to ensuring that markets are fair and efficient and that participants do not engage in unlawful or fraudulent behavior."

The SEC is also seeking public input on a proposed iShares Bitcoin Trust Series 1 - in kind redemption model for large lots in a single day.

The regulator is currently accepting comment on a proposed iShares Bitcoin Trust Series 1 - in kind (i.e., Bitcoin rather than cash) redemption model for large lots that could be liquidated in a single day to reduce friction for large institutional investors.

This change is now in its public comment period.

However, despite this momentum, the SEC has not signaled that any approvals beyond Bitcoin are imminent.

With Chair Paul Atkins reportedly reassessing how crypto assets can be integrated into traditional financial infrastructure and the likelihood of altcoin ETF approvals before Q4 2025 appearing slim, the Commission's decision on the Grayscale Litecoin Trust application will be closely watched by market participants.

LTC was trading up about 85 after the news broke.