October 8, 2024
By Anjali Kochhar
As excitement builds around the possibility of Solana (SOL) gaining approval for a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF), market analysts project significant price growth. According to a report from GSR, SOL could see a remarkable price increase of up to 8.9x, pushing its value from $148 to around $1,300 once ETF approval is secured. Asset managers VanEck and 21Shares have already filed S-1 registration statements for their respective Solana spot ETFs, sparking further speculation about the cryptocurrency’s future.
Matthew Sigel, head of digital asset research at VanEck, emphasised Solana’s blockchain utility and economic viability, drawing parallels with other major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. “We think that the native token, SOL, works in a way comparable to other digital goods like Ether and Bitcoin. It is used to pay for computational services and transaction fees,” Sigel explained. This utility is a core factor in Solana’s potential to attract institutional investors through an ETF.
According to Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex, the SEC examines several key factors in determining ETF approval. “They ensure Solana’s price moves in line with other assets, verify diversification to protect investors, and ensure accurate calculation of Net Asset Value (NAV),” he explained. The SEC also focuses on liquidity, ensuring the underlying assets can be easily traded to avoid market disruptions.
Rajagopal Menon, Vice President at WazirX, highlighted that Solana’s ETF prospects could improve if futures contracts for the token are listed on platforms like the CME. He emphasised that the potential launch of Ethereum ETFs in the near future could also pave the way for SOL.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas noted that approval for Solana ETFs could be closely tied to the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. He explained, “The odds of a Solana ETF being approved in the next 12 months are tied to the chances of a change in POTUS. If Trump wins, approval becomes more likely, but under Biden, it could remain stalled.”
The growing anticipation for Solana ETFs remains tempered by regulatory uncertainty, but the outcome of key elections and evolving market conditions could accelerate the approval process. If these hurdles are cleared, Solana’s price may see unprecedented growth.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
