Here We Go Again: SEC Stalls On Crypto ETF Approvals

The SEC announces a new delay in decisions concerning several awaited crypto ETFs. This strategic delay occurs in a sensitive political context, with Paul Atkins arriving as the chairman of the crypto-asset regulatory agency.

A strategic delay that rekindles uncertainty over crypto ETFs

Cryptocurrency investors were expecting a swift decision. But the reality is quite different! Indeed, the SEC has just extended its review period by 45 days concerning several ETF projects. This includes:

• the Grayscale Polkadot Trust
• the Canary Hedera ETF
• the combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF from Bitwise.

According to the SEC’s statement , these will have to wait until June 10 and 11, 2025 for possible approval.

The Commission considers it appropriate to provide a longer period to review the proposed rule change.

This is a cautious but revealing wording of internal tensions within the SEC. Remember that it is now led by Paul Atkins, a figure known for his pro-crypto market stance. He was sworn in just 3 days ago, on April 22, 2025.

A heavy wait, but hope is strengthened!

According to several crypto experts, this delay is not insignificant. It concerns major assets such as:

• Polkadot
• Hedera
• Bitcoin
• Ethereum.

Upstream, it is known that exchange-traded funds on crypto assets are becoming both a geopolitical and economic issue. Some observers see in Atkins’ upcoming roundtable on cryptocurrencies, scheduled for Friday, a desire to take control of these decisions.

Despite the absence of immediate approval, this delay does not sound like a refusal. On the contrary, it opens the way to a coordinated decision-making in a more favorable climate than under the Gensler era. The previous approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 and Ethereum in July also suggest a certain logic in the sequence of events.

While the SEC is stalling, crypto market players hope for a decisive regulatory turnaround. June 2025 could thus mark a turning point for the future of crypto ETFs . A file to follow closely!