Breaking: Franklin Templeton Files S-1 To Launch Spot Solana ETF with US SEC

After registering a trust in Delaware in preparation for a potential Solana (SOL) exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States last week, Franklin Templeton has formally filed an S-1 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Franklin Templeton Joins Race for Solana ETF Approval

According to the filing, Franklin Templeton aims to launch a spot Solana ETF that tracks the price of Solana, one of the leading cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The fund seeks to reflect the performance of Solana’s price, allowing investors to gain exposure to the digital asset without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency.

The firm had established the Franklin Solana Trust in Delaware to facilitate the launch of this ETF. This move places Franklin Templeton among a growing list of asset managers seeking SEC approval for Solana-based ETFs, including Grayscale, Bitwise, Canary Capital, 21Shares, and VanEck.

These companies are looking to capitalize on the increasing popularity of digital assets and the growing demand for diversified cryptocurrency investment products.

Growing Interest in Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency ETFs

Franklin Templeton’s decision to file for a Solana ETF reflects the rising interest among institutional investors in digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The firm’s move follows a trend of asset managers seeking to expand their cryptocurrency offerings amid improving regulatory conditions and increasing investor demand.

Joe DiPasquale, CEO of BitBull Capital, commented, “This move reflects a growing interest among asset managers to offer investment products beyond Bitcoin, especially as regulatory conditions become more favorable.”

This filing comes after the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have seen substantial inflows from investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Coinbase Chosen as Custodian for Solana Holdings

In its filing, Franklin Templeton revealed that it has selected Coinbase as the custodian for its Solana holdings. Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, will be responsible for safeguarding the fund’s digital assets.

Franklin Templeton declined to provide further details about the partnership or the timeline for the ETF’s launch.

Choosing Coinbase as the custodian aligns with a broader trend among asset managers who are partnering with established cryptocurrency exchanges to ensure secure storage and management of digital assets. This strategic choice highlights Franklin Templeton’s commitment to leveraging trusted platforms to support its cryptocurrency investment products.

Uncertain Approval Timeline Amid Regulatory Review

While Franklin Templeton’s filing marks a significant step towards launching a spot Solana ETF, approval from the SEC is not guaranteed.

The regulatory body is currently reviewing multiple filings for Solana ETFs, with analysts estimating a 70% chance of approval this year. However, the timing remains uncertain due to ongoing enforcement actions and public comments on the filings.

Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas noted, “Right now, the only thing that’s happened is they didn’t get a phone call telling them to go away,” suggesting cautious optimism among market analysts about the prospects of Solana ETFs.

Despite the uncertainty, Franklin Templeton’s move underscores the growing confidence among asset managers in the cryptocurrency market. If approved, the Franklin Solana ETF will be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, offering investors another avenue to participate in the digital asset market.