Ethereum Hits $10B Reserve as XRP ETF Nears, SEC Eyes Crypto Leadership Shift

Ethereum marked its 10th anniversary with a major milestone, corporate treasuries now hold over 2.73 million ETH valued above $10 billion, accounting for 2.26% of its circulating supply.

Companies like SharpLink Gaming and Bitmine Immersion Technologies now lead as the largest holders, even surpassing the Ethereum Foundation.

This growth comes amid mounting institutional interest, with Ethereum ETFs attracting over $65 million in daily inflows and $21.5 billion in assets under management. The in-kind creation/redemption model approved by the SEC has added further appeal, offering tax efficiency for large investors.

XRP and Solana ETFs Could Arrive by October

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a Generic Listing Standards framework allowing a dozen digital assets to qualify for ETF approval if they’ve traded futures contracts on designated exchanges for six months. This includes Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu.

Solana’s ETF approval could come as early as October 10, while XRP’s is expected shortly after. According to market analysts, approval odds for XRP, Solana, and Litecoin ETFs exceed 95%.

The SEC has also approved mixed Bitcoin-Ethereum ETPs, expanded options contract limits, and introduced tax-friendly redemption methods. These changes slash bureaucracy by eliminating the traditional 19b-4 rule change process, streamlining ETF listings to a 75-day review.

The SEC has effectively outsourced ETF approval authority to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) by basing eligibility solely on futures trading history.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins emphasized that the Commission will now “lead the cryptocurrency revolution,” pushing for future-proof regulation while protecting investors.

Despite criticism of Coinbase Derivatives’ monopoly in qualifying futures markets, the SEC’s decision marks a regulatory shift, potentially positioning the U.S. as a global center in crypto innovation.

With 72 crypto ETF applications pending, the coming months could usher in one of the most bullish eras for institutional crypto adoption in U.S. history.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview