Nasdaq has officially submitted a 19b-4 filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking approval to list a Polkadot (DOT) exchange-traded fund (ETF) by 21Shares, a Swiss-based asset management firm. The ETF aims to track Polkadot’s spot price, reflecting its real-time market value.
However, this does not mean immediate approval, as the SEC must still review and decide on the filing, a process that has historically seen delays for crypto-related ETFs.
21Shares Expands Crypto ETF Efforts
This Polkadot ETF filing follows 21Shares’ earlier S-1 form update, a necessary step before launching any ETF. The firm has been actively working on multiple crypto ETFs, including those for XRP and Solana (SOL).
Meanwhile, Grayscale Investments, another major crypto asset management firm, has also filed for a Polkadot ETF, indicating growing institutional interest in DOT.
Additionally, 21Shares is developing a staking feature for its Core Ethereum ETF, which would allow investors to earn rewards by helping to secure the Ethereum network. If approved, this could enhance the appeal of Ethereum-based ETFs by providing investors with passive income opportunities.
Will the SEC Approve the Polkadot ETF?
Despite the growing demand for crypto ETFs, the SEC has been slow in approving them. The agency recently delayed decisions on ETFs linked to XRP, Solana, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, raising uncertainty about the timeline for a final ruling on the Polkadot ETF.
Analysts predict that regulatory scrutiny over crypto-based investment products could further extend the decision-making process. However, if approved, the 21Shares Polkadot ETF would provide mainstream investors with direct exposure to DOT’s price movements through a regulated financial product.
What’s Next for the Polkadot ETF?
The crypto community and institutional investors are closely monitoring the SEC’s next move. While Nasdaq’s filing signals growing institutional adoption, the regulatory process remains unpredictable.
With more asset management firms pushing for crypto ETFs, industry experts believe that approval could pave the way for broader adoption of Polkadot and other altcoins in traditional markets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.
Note: This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.