SEC Greenlights Fast-Track Process for Crypto ETFs

The SEC is rolling out the red carpet for new crypto ETFs. The agency has approved universal listing standards, effectively creating a fast-track approval process for exchanges like Nasdaq and the NYSE.

This means more crypto ETF options are likely to hit the market soon, giving investors easier and broader access to digital assets through traditional, regulated channels.

The SEC’s move fundamentally alters the regulatory mechanics for crypto ETF approvals. It replaces the case-by-case 19b-4 filing process—which entailed a review clock of up to 240 days—with a standardized set of generic listing standards.

For any new ETF that meets these pre-established criteria, the approval timeline is condensed to approximately 75 days, and the 19b-4 requirement is waived. This procedural efficiency is the key that unlocks the queue of dozens of awaiting funds targeting a broader array of cryptocurrencies.