The month of October could prove pivotal for the cryptocurrency market, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) preparing to deliver final rulings on 16 different spot crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. Industry watchers say the decisions could usher in a new wave of mainstream adoption and potentially fuel the next altcoin rally.

A packed calendar of ETF deadlines

Related reporting: First US Dogecoin ETF set to launch Thursday, marking new era for memecoin investing

The ETFs under review span a range of digital assets, including Solana (SOL), XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Hedera (HBAR), and even memecoin Dogecoin (DOGE).

The SEC’s first ruling is expected on October 2, with decentralized exchange Canary’s Litecoin ETF leading the list. This will be followed by Grayscale’s attempts to convert its Solana and Litecoin trusts into ETFs on October 10, and WisdomTree’s XRP ETF application rounding out the month on October 24.

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart noted that the SEC could hand down decisions anytime before the official deadlines, adding an extra layer of anticipation.

Crypto exchange Bitfinex recently suggested that the wave of ETF approvals could ignite a fresh altcoin season by giving retail and institutional investors an easier, regulated entry point into non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies.

‘Enormous weeks ahead’ for crypto ETFs

ETF expert Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, said in a post on X that the coming weeks represent “an enormous” moment for the crypto ETF landscape.

“It starts this week with the deadline for Canary’s spot Litecoin ETF. We’ll then see decisions on Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, ADA, and HBAR ETFs. The SEC can approve any or all of these at any time,” Geraci said.

Crypto trader Daan Crypto Trades referred to October as “ETF month,” though he noted the absence of heavyweights BlackRock and Fidelity from this round of applications. “Still, it’s something to keep a very close eye on,” he said.

Source: Nate Geraci

Back in June, Seyffart placed the odds of SEC approval for October’s batch of ETF applications at 90% or higher by 2025, citing the regulator’s shift toward a more crypto-friendly stance.

SEC easing the pathway for future ETFs

The SEC has repeatedly delayed decisions throughout 2025, frustrating issuers and investors alike. However, in mid-September, the regulator adopted a new listing standard for commodity-based trust shares, which could significantly shorten the timeline for future spot crypto ETF launches.

Seyffart called the move a “positive step” toward a broader wave of spot ETF approvals. Fellow analyst Eric Balchunas added that with over 22 coins now trading futures on Coinbase, “many more could soon be eligible for ETF-ization.”

Indeed, the momentum is already visible. Shortly after the rule change, asset manager Hashdex expanded its crypto ETF to include Solana, XRP, and Stellar (XLM), further fueling optimism that altcoin ETFs are about to become a major fixture in U.S. markets.