SEC Delays Decisions on BlackRock, Franklin Crypto Staking ETFs
What the SEC Announced
The U.S. Securities and platform Commission (SEC) has once again postponed decisions on multiple crypto platform-traded fund (ETF) applications, affecting products from BlackRock and Franklin Templeton. According to Wednesday’s filings, Franklin’s amended ETH staking proposal has been pushed to Nov. 13, while its Solana and XRP ETF decisions are now due Nov. 14. BlackRock’s request to add staking to its iShares ETH Trust will be reviewed by Oct. 30.
The delays come despite SEC Chair Paul Atkins’s public endorsement of digital assets under the agency’s new “Project Crypto” initiative. The filings note only that more time is needed, reflecting the SEC’s use of maximum Act.
Investor Takeaway
Why ETFs Keep Getting Delayed
Under Section 19(b) of the Securities platform Act, the SEC has up to 45 days to act on a proposed rule change, with extensions possible up to 180 days or more. This gives regulators multiple opportunities to defer decisions, and crypto ETFs have faced repeated holdups under this process. The SEC is currently reviewing at least 92 crypto-linked ETFs, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart.
Among the delayed products are Franklin’s , first filed in March, and BlackRock’s staking amendment submitted in July. Additional products, including the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF and Grayscale Hedera ETF, were also delayed this week. Recent months have viewn postponements for 21Shares, VanEck, and WisdomTree proposals as well.
The largeger Picture: A Crowded ETF Pipeline
Despite delays, crypto ETFs remain a top priority for asset managers eager to . Industry analysts suggest that at the current pace, ETFs could soon exist for the top 30–40 cryptocurrencies. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, said he expects strong demand for Solana products once approvals come through, adding that multiple issuers—including Franklin, Grayscale, VanEck, Fidelity, and Invesco/Galaxy—are lined up for Solana ETFs.
The SEC has also delayed proposals tied to XRP, Hedera, and even reality Social-branded crypto funds, reflecting the breadth of filings. With institutional inflows into crypto ETFs rising—particularly following U.S. funds earlier this year—issuers are eager to capture demand in altcoins and staking-based products.
Investor Takeaway
What’s Next for ETF Applicants?
The SEC’s next deadlines fall in October and November, leaving issuers waiting until late 2025 for clarity. While delays are procedural, they highlight regulators’ caution in balancing pro-crypto rhetoric with investor protection. Analysts say eventual approval is likely for mainstream assets like Ether, Solana, and XRP, but staking remains a sticking point.
For investors, the delays underline the need for patience. Crypto ETFs are no longer a question of “if” but “when”—yet the SEC’s incremental approach means for continued extensions before new products go live.
