Solana (SOL) or XRP — Which Will Get the ETF Approval First?

Given their strong community support, the industry is debating whether Solana or XRP will receive ETF approval first. While XRP is grappling with the SEC's legal game, Solana ETFs appear to be the safest option for SEC approval.

Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) are among the candidates for the next crypto ETF approval in the US, following the recent approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. However, BlackRock has expressed skepticism, while other industry players remain optimistic.

BlackRock Rebuffs SOL and XRP ETF Approval

On the opening day of the Bitcoin Conference 2024, BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets, Robert Mitchnick, downplayed the approval of Solana, Ripple, and other altcoins. He cited a lack of maturity and liquidity as the main reason, along with regulatory concerns and the SEC’s hesitance to approve more crypto ETFs. Mitchnick highlighted that while Bitcoin and Ethereum lead the market with substantial market caps, other altcoins don’t meet the required thresholds for liquidity and maturity to be considered for ETFs.

“The market caps of SOL, XRP, and other altcoins are not large enough to support an ETF. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the only two cryptocurrencies that have the necessary market caps and liquidity.” – Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets, BlackRock

Current State of Crypto ETFs

Despite the approval of spot Ether ETFs, their performance has been lackluster, with products like Grayscale Grayscale Lending & Borrowing ETF Trust (NYSE:GSLC) experiencing consecutive outflows. Mitchnick also mentioned that the SEC was uncomfortable with spot Ether ETFs offering staking facilities, reflecting broader regulatory uncertainties.

On the other hand, Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, had a contrasting view. He highlighted that Europe already has successful ETPs for altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Cardano. Geraci believes that similar products could be introduced in the US with appropriate regulatory adjustments, expressing optimism for future developments in the US crypto ETF market.

Matthew Sigel, head of digital asset research at VanEck, explained a valid point that the creation of an ETF requires strong support from regulators, issuers, and market players like exchanges and custodians. Currently, XRP lacks the necessary client demand and internal conviction, making regulatory approval unlikely. In contrast, Solana shows potential due to its decentralization and security, which align with the criteria needed for an ETF. The analyst is optimistic that, over time, regulators will approve these products.

“Over the next six to twelve months, I expect to see a decision on whether to approve an ETF for a decentralized digital asset like Solana. The approval of a SOL ETF would open the door for other decentralized digital assets to be included in ETFs.” – Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Asset Research, VanEck

BlackRock’s Q2 Performance

Amid these discussions, Blackrock reported strong Q2 earnings, with assets under management (AUM) reaching $10.6 trillion. However, despite their strong financial position, Mitchnick stressed that BlackRock does not see a near-term future for altcoin ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum due to current market conditions and regulatory hurdles.

What Next?

The SEC’s recent approval of Ethereum ETFs has created new cryptocurrency opportunities. While XRP faces several hurdles before its ETF approval, Solana meets all the necessary conditions. Even GSR wrote last month that the results suggested Solana is next, should the additional spot digital asset ETFs be permitted in the US.

Investors are eagerly awaiting regulatory decisions, hoping Solana and XRP will be the next crypto to benefit from an ETF. With big bulls like VanEck and 21Shares openly showing interest in SOL and XRP, the market is rooting for a year-end approval. Agree?