Solana is rapidly becoming the centerpiece of a new wave of crypto ETFs as more traditional financial firms seek exposure to digital assets. In a major development, investment firm Invesco and digital asset manager Galaxy Digital have submitted a joint application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a spot Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF). This filing marks the ninth application currently under SEC review, highlighting the intense competition to be among the first to offer a Solana-backed ETF.

The proposed product, titled “Invesco Galaxy Solana ETF,” is designed to track the price of Solana [SOL] and would trade under the ticker symbol QSOL on the Cboe BZX Exchange. If approved, Coinbase Custody Trust Company will handle the fund’s SOL holdings, ensuring institutional-grade security and compliance.

Invesco and Galaxy Aim to Lead Altcoin ETF Expansion

This move follows a broader trend seen in 2024 where asset managers increasingly pivoted toward cryptocurrency-based investment products. Riding on the success of Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum’s more moderate ETF inflows, issuers are now exploring investor appetite for altcoin exposure, starting with Solana.

What sets the Invesco-Galaxy filing apart is its inclusion of staking provisions—a mechanism that allows the fund to stake a portion of its SOL holdings via trusted providers to generate additional yield through staking rewards. This innovative strategy not only enhances the fund’s potential returns but also reflects the evolving nature of how digital assets are managed within traditional investment frameworks.

Other issuers like VanEck, Bitwise, and Grayscale have also updated their own filings to include similar staking features. This signals an industry-wide shift toward making ETFs more dynamic and aligned with on-chain capabilities.

Nine Contenders, One Goal: SEC Approval

The flood of Solana ETF applications has caught the attention of the SEC, which has reportedly requested issuers to revise and streamline their filings. This development is viewed as a sign that approval could be imminent. Industry insiders suggest that the SEC may greenlight multiple Solana ETFs at once, as it did with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, ensuring fair competition and equal access to the market.

Analysts from Bloomberg, including ETF expert James Seyffart, have commented on the likelihood of approval by July. He noted that the agency’s latest feedback signals an openness to altcoin ETFs, especially those tracking well-established assets like Solana. Betting markets are even more confident, placing the chances of SEC approval above 90%, with some predicting an October 10 deadline for all final decisions.

This momentum has led many analysts to dub this phase “altcoin ETF summer,” with Solana taking the lead in this potential new asset class.

Solana Price Remains Subdued Despite ETF Excitement

Despite the flurry of institutional interest, Solana’s price has not yet mirrored the enthusiasm seen in the ETF arena. As of the latest data, SOL was trading at $143.71, down from its early June highs. Key technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and MACD continue to signal bearish trends, suggesting that price action may remain limited unless a broader breakout occurs.

However, it’s not unusual for crypto prices to lag behind major news developments. Often, the full impact of ETF approval doesn’t materialize until products are live and capital begins to flow into them. With the SEC likely to make its ruling within the next few months, any movement on the regulatory front could trigger a significant price response.

Why Solana Could Be the Face of Altcoin ETFs

Solana’s inclusion in these high-stakes ETF filings is no coincidence. The network has established itself as a high-performance blockchain with lightning-fast transaction speeds, low fees, and growing DeFi and NFT ecosystems. Its appeal extends beyond speculation, positioning it as a strong contender for institutional investment.

For ETF issuers, Solana offers the perfect blend of market liquidity, technological stability, and retail interest. Combined with the added staking yield potential, it’s no surprise that major firms are betting big on SOL.

The Invesco-Galaxy filing may have just added more fuel to the ETF race, but the real competition lies ahead—when the SEC finally gives its verdict.

Outlook: Solana ETFs Could Shift the Market Landscape

If the SEC approves these ETFs, it could trigger a new phase of adoption not only for Solana but for the broader altcoin market. Institutional investors, many of whom still lack direct exposure to anything beyond Bitcoin or Ethereum, would suddenly have access to one of the most advanced layer-1 blockchains via regulated financial products.

With nine issuers in line and prediction markets overwhelmingly bullish on approval, it’s no longer a matter of if but when. Once live, these ETFs could act as a major catalyst for Solana’s price and network activity.

Until then, all eyes remain on the SEC and the ticking October deadline. The race for the first Solana ETF is heating up—and whoever gets to market first may unlock a new chapter in crypto investment.