SEC Pushes Back Key Crypto ETF Decisions — BlackRock, Franklin, and More Now Face New Fall Deadlines

[cryptoenthusiast]

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again hit pause on multiple high-profile crypto ETF applications, delaying key rulings into late October and mid-November.

New Deadlines for Ethereum, Solana, and XRP ETFs

Fresh SEC filings show extended review periods for some of the most closely watched proposals:

Franklin Templeton

Ethereum staking amendment ➜ Nov. 13

Solana and XRP ETFs ➜ Nov. 14

BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust (staking amendment) ➜ Oct. 30

These delays are the maximum allowed under Section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act, which lets the SEC take up to 180 days — and sometimes an extra 60 — before issuing a final decision.

Growing Backlog of Crypto ETF Proposals

This week’s moves add to an already lengthy queue:

Nov. 12 ➜ Bitwise Dogecoin ETF & Grayscale Hedera ETF

Oct. 8 – 24 ➜ NYSE Arca’s Truth Social Bitcoin & Ethereum ETF, 21Shares and Bitwise Solana ETFs, 21Shares Core XRP Trust, and WisdomTree XRP Fund

Oct. 12 ➜ Canary PENGU ETF

By late August, at least 92 crypto-related ETF proposals were waiting for SEC review.

️ A Pro-Crypto Shift — But Still No Quick Green Light

The delays come despite a seemingly friendlier regulatory climate. Since President Trump’s January inauguration, the SEC has pivoted toward integrating digital assets into U.S. capital markets:

July 31 ➜ SEC Chair Paul Atkins unveiled Project Crypto, aimed at modernizing securities rules for crypto trading, lending, and staking.

Sept. 11 (OECD Roundtable, Paris) ➜ Atkins declared, “Crypto’s time has come.”

Even with these signals, the Commission is exercising maximum caution. The filings give no hint of approval or rejection — only that more time is needed.

Why This Matters for Crypto Markets

Institutional flows: Spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs have already fueled billions in inflows; approval of staking-based or altcoin ETFs could open entirely new capital channels.

Price impact: Each delay can inject short-term uncertainty, but the underlying trend of growing institutional involvement remains positive.

Market structure: Rules that define how staking and altcoin ETFs are treated could reshape on-chain liquidity and long-term demand.

Bottom line:
Despite Washington’s warming rhetoric on crypto, the SEC continues to move slowly and strategically, extending reviews on Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and other ETF proposals. The coming October–November window will be critical for determining whether the next wave of crypto ETFs finally gets the green light — or faces yet another round of regulatory patience.