The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now faces one of its heaviest backlogs in the digital asset space, with at least 92 cryptocurrency exchange-traded product applications awaiting review.

According to an expert, Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP) lead the wave of filings, each with multiple applications under consideration.

The trend highlights growing institutional demand for altcoin exposure through regulated investment vehicles, even as the SEC continues to weigh its stance on crypto products.

The pace of new filings has accelerated in recent months, suggesting the market is preparing for a broader expansion of crypto ETFs.

Solana and XRP lead with 15 ETF applications

Solana and XRP have emerged as the frontrunners among altcoins in ETF interest.

Analyst James Seyffart reported that Solana currently has eight ETF applications pending, while XRP has seven.

Both tokens rank among the most actively pursued crypto assets after Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH).

Analyst Eric Balchunas noted on April 21 that 72 crypto-related ETFs were already awaiting SEC review at that time.

With the figure now at 92, a further 20 applications have been added in just four months, pointing to rising momentum across the industry.

The filings include proposals offering exposure not only to Solana and XRP but also to other altcoins, alongside three ETFs linked to Bitcoin and Ether.

Grayscale and 21Shares push for Ether staking ETFs

Two of the largest players in the digital asset space, Grayscale and 21Shares, are also part of the current SEC queue. Both are seeking approval for Ether staking ETFs.

Earlier this month, the SEC clarified that some liquid staking activities fall outside its regulatory scope, a development that may impact how such filings are assessed.

Grayscale is also pursuing a major conversion of five of its existing trusts into ETFs.

These include three publicly traded funds and two private trusts, covering exposure to Litecoin, Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, and Avalanche.

Such conversions would expand ETF access across a broader set of cryptocurrencies if approved.

Market analysts expect ETF approval to drive altcoin rally

The potential impact of SEC decisions on altcoin markets remains a key focus for traders.

Analysts at Bitfinex observed on Monday that a broader rally among altcoins is unlikely until more crypto ETFs gain approval.

This view underscores the role regulatory clarity could play in shaping institutional and retail participation in the sector.

Meanwhile, market commentators such as NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci have pointed to the sheer volume of filings as evidence of what they call “crypto ETF floodgates about to open soon”.

BlackRock dominates with $71.40 billion ETF inflows

While new applications continue to pile up, global asset manager BlackRock has already secured a commanding lead in the crypto ETF category.

Its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has attracted net inflows of $58.28 billion since launch.

Its iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) has accumulated $13.12 billion in inflows, according to data from Farside Investors.

BlackRock’s IBIT fund now holds more than 3% of Bitcoin’s total circulating supply. A Wednesday report also indicated that ETHA may soon surpass Coinbase as the largest single holder of Ether.

Notably, IBIT now generates more annual fee revenue for BlackRock than its flagship S&P fund, iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV).

This is due to the fee structure, with IBIT carrying an expense ratio of 0.25%, compared to just 0.03% for IVV.

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Crypto ETF market expands with 92 filings awaiting SEC decision

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