Altcoins Gain Widespread Attention After SEC Approves Hashdex's Broadened ETF

Hashdex’s Nasdaq Crypto Index ETF (NCIQ) has broadened its holdings to now feature

, (SOL), and (XLM) after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved revised generic listing guidelines. The SEC’s ruling, finalized on September 24, 2025, permits the ETF to invest in assets beyond just (BTC) and (ETH), representing a major advance for institutional access to a wider range of digital assets. XRP now makes up 7.11% of the ETF’s assets, ranking as the third-largest position after (72.5%) and (14.8%), while Solana accounts for 4.19% and Stellar for 0.33%. This approval is in line with the SEC’s new streamlined process, which shortens the approval period for crypto ETFs from 270 days to 75 days, allowing for quicker launches of diversified products.

The ETF’s updated asset mix highlights increasing institutional appetite for alternative cryptocurrencies, especially those with solid fundamentals and regulatory transparency. Hashdex updated its trust structure to meet Nasdaq’s latest standards, including a “Third Amended and Restated Trust Agreement” with CSC Delaware Trust Company. The addition of XRP and Solana comes after the successful debut of the REX-Osprey XRP ETF (XRPR), which saw $37.7 million in trading volume on its first day, indicating strong interest in regulated crypto investment options. Experts believe this move could pave the way for more approvals, with over 90 applications pending and a surge of new launches expected in October 2025.

The SEC’s revised rules, effective September 17, 2025, require ETFs to satisfy at least one of three conditions for faster approval: the asset must be listed on a regulated exchange, have CFTC-supervised futures trading for at least six months, or be included in another ETF with a minimum 40% direct allocation. This framework has already enabled Grayscale to convert its private fund into a public ETF and sped up the approval of products like the XRP ETF (XRPR). Steven McClurg from Canary Capital Group pointed out the sharp increase in filings, predicting a “wave of launches” as fund managers take advantage of the simplified process.

Industry observers are hopeful about the impact on crypto adoption. The approval of the Hashdex ETF is seen as a key milestone in integrating altcoins into mainstream finance, with analysts forecasting up to 30 new spot ETFs in the near future. Nate Geraci of NovaDius Wealth Management highlighted the ETF’s importance in offering broad exposure to various crypto assets, noting the strategic inclusion of XRP and Solana. The ETF’s status as an “emerging growth company” in Delaware further demonstrates its compliance with regulatory standards while remaining adaptable for future growth.

Looking forward, the SEC’s updated guidelines are expected to ease the way for more XRP and Solana ETFs, with applications from Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and Bitwise nearing approval. The regulatory changes are also prompting existing ETFs to review their compliance, as Kyle DaCruz of VanEck noted the necessity for legal assessments to meet the new requirements. With the October deadline for pending XRP ETF proposals approaching, industry insiders expect a flurry of approvals, further cementing altcoins’ place in institutional portfolios.