October 2025 might mark a turning point for cryptocurrency markets. New rule changes and regulatory fast-tracks could lead to a wave of spot crypto ETFs getting approved — not just for Bitcoin and Ethereum, but also for a range of altcoins. For investors, this represents both opportunity and risk. Below, we explore which 10 coins are likely in line for ETF approval, why they’re considered strong candidates, what to watch out for, and how to prepare.
Why October Could Be Big
- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved new generic listing standards for commodity-based ETFs, which would speed up approval for crypto ETFs that meet certain criteria.
- Analysts report that several major assets already satisfy these criteria (or will very soon), such as having a regulated futures market for at least six months, adequate market surveillance, liquidity, etc.
- Final deadlines for reviews for some ETF applications related to altcoins are set in October. Decisions might come quickly if all regulatory boxes are checked.
The 10 Coins Likely in the ETF Approval Pipeline
These coins have been repeatedly mentioned in research and filings as potential candidates for spot crypto ETFs or other regulated ETPs:
| Coin | Ticker | Why Theya’re Strong Contenders |
| Litecoin (LTC) | LTC | One of the most established altcoins; good liquidity; filings under review with near-term decision deadlines.
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| Solana (SOL) | SOL | Strong developer ecosystem, growing demand; many filings for spot SOL ETFs; seen as one of the top chances. |
| XRP (Ripple) | XRP | Regulatory clarity improving; multiple ETF applications; likely to get a decision soon. |
| Cardano (ADA) | ADA | Large community, strong fundamentals; expected to satisfy listing/futures-market requirements soon. |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | AVAX | Layer-1 with good traction; filings in the pipeline; seen among assets that meet or near the criteria. |
| Dogecoin (DOGE) | DOGE | Meme coin with institutional interest; meets or close to meeting criteria; recent filings and an ETF have already launched for DOGE in some form. |
| Polkadot (DOT) | DOT | Known project; expected to qualify under fast-track rules; moderate probability. |
| Hedera (HBAR) | HBAR | Among the tokens identified by research firms as meeting or nearly meeting the criteria. |
| Stellar (XLM) | XLM | Good track record; listed derivatives and markets; seen in the group of coins likely to qualify. |
| Chainlink (LINK) | LINK | Strong demand for decentralized oracle infrastructure; meets criteria in many analyses; likely candidate. |
How to Prepare as an Investor
If you believe these ETFs might be approved in October, here are steps to take to be ready (without taking on unnecessary risk):
- Research the Coin Ecosystems
Understand what makes each coin valuable: utility, adoption, developer activity, governance, etc. ETF approval may give a boost, but fundamentals matter for sustainability. - Monitor Regulatory Announcements
Keep up with news from the SEC, filings, and deadlines. Decisions could come suddenly. Sources to watch include SEC releases, analyst reports, and filings from issuers like VanEck, Grayscale, 21Shares etc. - Assess Liquidity & Volatility
ETF products work better when underlying assets are liquid and have good trading volume. Of the coins above, BTC, ETH, SOL, LTC, and XRP generally show higher liquidity; smaller ones may fluctuate more. - Plan for Price Action
Approval news often causes spikes (or dips). If you hold any of these altcoins, decide in advance whether you’re aiming for long-term gain or short-term profit. Avoid chasing at peak hype. - Diversify
Don’t put all eggs in one coin. The final decision might favor some coins earlier than others, and some candidates might still be delayed or rejected. - Watch for ETF Structure
Spot ETF vs futures-based vs other ETPs differ in risk, fees, custody. Understand how each proposed ETF will function. Also check who is the issuer (cost and credibility matter).
Risks & What Could Go Wrong
- Even with fast‐track rules, the SEC may delay or reject applications due to concerns about market manipulation, custody, or whether a coin is considered a “security.”
- Volatility could increase as anticipation builds, which exposes holders to risk.
- Regulatory changes outside the U.S., or legal challenges, could impact coins differently (e.g., XRP’s past legal issues).
- The “spot market” for some coins might not satisfy SEC requirements (futures markets might be missing, or insufficient history).
- ETF fees, management structure, and tax treatments can eat into returns.
Conclusion
October 2025 may well be remembered as the month when the crypto ETF landscape expanded beyond the usual suspects (Bitcoin and Ethereum). Coins like LTC, SOL, XRP, ADA, AVAX, DOGE, DOT, HBAR, XLM, and LINK are very likely the front‐runners for new ETF approvals — contingent on meeting regulatory criteria and maintaining strong market fundamentals.
If you’re an investor thinking ahead, now is the time to do your homework. This could be a defining moment for how mainstream finance interacts with crypto. The rewards might be significant, but so are the risks. As always, balance optimism with caution.
