All news is rigorously fact-checked and reviewed by leading blockchain experts and seasoned industry insiders.
- SEC has postponed its decision on the proposed 21Shares Polkadot ETF until November.
- Polkadot price dipped 2% after delay news, but analysts still expect approval later this year.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission delayed its decision on the 21Shares Polkadot Spot ETF. The date was rescheduled and currently stands on November 8, 2025, which was earlier due on June 24, 2025. The delay sets the ETF for Polkadot within a growing line of applications based on cryptocurrency and subject to extended review.
The latest delay is consistent with the Commission’s strategy of expanding deadlines for the sake of garnering more public comment and tracking market-linked risks. The ETF in question would track Polkadot (DOT), a blockchain infrastructure network that supports interoperability across various chains. Approval could lead to easier crypto access through traditional investment platforms.
Market observers perceive the hold-up as delay and not rejection as part of a broader picture. The SEC also undertook similar actions on existing ETF applications for other digital currencies like XRP, Litecoin, Solana, and Dogecoin. These delays reflect the Commission’s prudent stance on new financial products for digital currencies.
DOT Price Slips While Analysts Eye Year-End Verdict
Following the delay announcement, the price of Polkadot dropped nearly 2%, reaching $3.41 in the past 24 hours. The analysts point out the dip was a short-term reaction and not the indication of underlying concerns with the blockchain. Many investors appear to be waiting for regulatory clarity before making further commitments.
Despite the recent fall in prices, analysts remain confident the ETF will be approved at some point. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart noted the moves made by the SEC suggest there could be movement on the issue later this year.
The SEC is taking a cautious yet engaged approach, which could lead to approval in the final quarter of 2025, he said.
Market watchers believe the Commission‘s ongoing activity reveals that it hasn‘t dismissed the application entirely. Instead, the delay might allow the SEC to finish its parameters for digital asset funds, which would lead to more consistent future decision-making.
Backlog of Over 70 Crypto ETF Applications Grows
Polkadot is one of the over 70 digital asset ETF applications still waiting for rulings. These include funds from major financial firms such as BlackRock and Grayscale. The Commission also extended deadlines for a few other tokens, including HBAR and memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
There is growing speculation that ETFs linked to memecoin may debut in 2026. If the funds receive clearance, it would be a sign for growing adoption of crypto by regulated markets, but the timing remains uncertain.
For now, the SEC’s backlog signals a cautious but ongoing review process. Each delay adds to the pressure on regulators to create a clear framework for evaluating crypto-linked financial products. As November approaches, the focus remains on how the SEC chooses to move forward with the 21Shares Polkadot proposal.
