Laser Digital, the digital asset arm of Nomura, predicts that 2025 could be a pivotal year for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to a recent report, more than twelve new crypto ETFs could debut in the U.S. this year, provided they receive approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
So far, 12 filings have been submitted to the SEC, the report notes. Potential ETFs include a ProShares fund that tracks the S&P 500’s return in bitcoin, as well as combined bitcoin/ether ETFs, and separate products based on litecoin, XRP, and Solana.
Laser Digital believes that a bitcoin/ether ETF is likely to be the first to receive approval. The success of spot bitcoin ETFs, particularly BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which amassed $53 billion in assets under management in its first 11 months after its January 2024 launch, further fuels optimism for the space.
With the recent appointment of crypto-friendly Paul Atkins as SEC Chairman and the departure of Gary Gensler, the report suggests that the approval of new crypto ETFs is becoming increasingly likely. Additionally, ongoing lawsuits against crypto companies are expected to diminish, further enhancing the approval prospects.
Laser Digital forecasts that the ETF market will see continued growth in assets under management (AUM) and greater institutional investor adoption in 2025. This growth is further supported by the expected return of President-elect Donald Trump, who is backed by a team of crypto-friendly regulators.
In December, asset manager Grayscale announced its plans to convert the Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL) into an ETF, signaling further momentum in the space.
