SEC Approves New Standards for Digital Asset ETF Listings

The SEC’s approval of streamlined listing standards for digital asset-backed ETFs, announced September 18, aims to simplify the process for exchanges like Nasdaq and NYSE Arca.

This regulatory shift fosters innovation in the U.S. crypto market, potentially boosting institutional investments in digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

SEC’s New Rules Propel Digital Asset ETF Launches

The SEC has approved a set of listing standards for commodity-based trust units, as documented in filings from Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX. The aim is to reduce regulatory approval times for digital asset listings by using a pre-defined rule system, shifting away from case-by-case evaluations.

With these new rules, market reaction involves increased optimism in easier and faster product launches, especially for commodities like Bitcoin and Ethereum. NASDAQ has celebrated this move, expressing anticipation for increased investor choice and market engagement.

Hester Peirce, Commissioner, SEC: “Today, the Commission approved the generic listing and trading on three national securities exchanges of certain commodity-based exchange-traded products (ETPs) … These rule changes make it much easier and faster for exchanges to list commodity-based ETPs, including those holding crypto assets.”

Bitcoin Surges as SEC Streamlines ETF Process

Did you know? This approval reduces ETF listing times from months to weeks, a change that aligns with EU and Canadian markets, indicating global regulatory trends.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $116,641.35, with a market cap of $2.32 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap as of September 17, 2025. Its market dominance stands at 56.94%, with a 24-hour trading volume of $60.04 billion, highlighting a 31.38% increase. Notably, BTC exhibited an 11.42% rise over the past 90 days.

Insights from the Coincu research team suggest that the new SEC standards might lead to increased competition among exchanges. This regulatory update is poised to influence the technological and financial landscape, providing easier access for institutional players, ultimately fostering further innovation and growth in the digital asset sector.