Breaking: US SEC Delays Decision on Grayscale Spot Solana and Litecoin ETFs

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on the Grayscale Spot Solana and Litecoin ETFs. The agency said more time is needed to assess whether these filings meet the necessary standards for investor protection and market transparency. This delay affects Grayscale’s efforts to list spot cryptocurrency ETFs that would be traded on the NYSE Arca exchange.

At the same time, the US SEC opened public comment periods for other crypto-related proposals, including BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF redemption model.

US SEC Extends Review Period for Grayscale SOL and LTC ETFs

The US SEC announced that it will extend the review process for the proposed Grayscale Solana Trust. The agency is evaluating whether the fund complies with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If approved, the ETF would allow public trading of Solana-backed shares through traditional investment accounts.

The same decision applies to the Grayscale Litecoin Trust. The SEC said it needs additional time to determine if the Litecoin ETF filing meets the required legal and market conditions. Grayscale’s filings now follow an extended timeline, which may include several stages before the SEC makes a final decision.

Subsequently, the commission started proceedings to determine whether to approve or reject the proposed rule change, according to the official filing. Crypto prediction market Polymarket gives Grayscale’s Solana ETF an 82% chance of approval by December 31, 2025. The Litecoin ETF follows closely with an 80% chance.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Redemption Proposal

Alongside Grayscale’s delays, the US SEC has opened the public comment phase for BlackRock’s proposed rule change to its iShares Bitcoin Trust. The proposed amendment would allow in-kind redemptions, letting authorized participants exchange ETF shares directly for Bitcoin instead of using cash.

This change would mark a departure from the original cash-only model approved earlier this year. Public comments will help the SEC determine whether this redemption mechanism maintains sufficient protections for investors and maintains orderly market function.

This delay follows BlackRock filing for an amendment of its spot Ethereum ETF to allow an in-kind creation and redemption process

US SEC Cautious Approach Under New Leadership

Under new Chair Paul Atkins, the SEC has increased its engagement with the public and the digital asset industry. The agency has emphasized transparency and compliance with established investor protection rules in its handling of crypto-related financial products.

Despite the recent delays, the US SEC has acknowledged the spot Dogecoin ETF filing submitted by 21Shares. This move places the application on the agency’s timeline, which allows for up to 240 days to approve or deny the product.

Concurrently, in recent months, the SEC has dismissed several enforcement cases including the Ripple lawsuit and expanded the use of public comment periods and roundtables. These actions signal a broader regulatory reassessment under the current administration.