The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NASDAQ: NCIQ). Investors are asking what comes next: could this pave the way for products like an HBAR ETF or even broader institutional funds such as a possible HBAR ETF Vanguard? While speculation is growing, the current approval directly benefits XRP, Solana, and Stellar alongside its existing exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
The decision marks one of the first approvals under the SEC’s newly adopted generic listing standards for crypto ETFs. It is designed to accelerate the approval process and open the door for a wider range of digital asset products.
Updated Structure to Meet New Rules
Hashdex confirmed the changes last week, filing a “Third Amended and Restated Trust Agreement” with CSC Delaware Trust Company. The filing replaced a prior version of the trust arrangement, ensuring that the ETF complies with Nasdaq’s listing requirements. While the ETF remains structured as an “emerging growth company” in Delaware, no additional financial disclosures were attached to the amendment.
A Wave of Filings on the Horizon
The SEC’s rule change is already reshaping the ETF world. Instead of months-long individual reviews that often stretch up to 270 days, qualified ETFs can now complete the process in as little as 75 days.
Industry lawyers and fund managers expect a surge of product launches in the coming quarter. Over with a dozen new applications in progress. Market watchers are already tracking queries like ‘Is HBAR getting an ETF?’ or ‘Is BlackRock filing an HBAR ETF?’ as the next wave of products could expand beyond current assets.” Many of these focus on multi-asset structures that include major altcoins such as XRP and SOL. This reflects a growing institutional interest beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Why the Fast-Track Rules Matter
To qualify for the accelerated path, ETFs must meet at least one of three conditions:
- The underlying crypto must be traded on a regulated exchange or have CFTC-regulated futures contracts active for at least six months.
- Another ETF must already hold the coin with at least 40% of assets directly invested.
- The structure must otherwise meet the SEC’s updated listing criteria.
This framework eliminates layers of bureaucracy. It provides asset managers with greater clarity and speed in bringing products to market. Analysts expect October to be a “boom period” for crypto ETFs. Several multi-asset funds are anticipated to debut.
Implications for the Market
The approval of Hashdex’s expanded ETF highlights two key shifts:
- Regulatory efficiency: Faster approvals reduce uncertainty for issuers and investors.
- Diversified exposure is now possible under regulated ETFs. While BTC and ETH remain dominant, the approval has also renewed attention on altcoins like HBAR, which could benefit if HBAR ETF approval gains traction in the future
- Still, some industry voices caution that not every altcoin included in these products has the same level of market maturity or investor familiarity. While BTC and ETH have long established their credibility, newer assets may face steeper adoption hurdles.
For ongoing insights into HBAR’s performance, check our HBAR price prediction blog
Conclusion
The SEC’s approval of the Hashdex Nasdaq ETF signals a broader move toward mainstreaming diversified crypto investment products. With XRP, SOL, and XLM now part of a regulated ETF basket, the stage is set for accelerated launches. At the same time, investor conversations around HBAR ETF news continue to grow, even if approval remains speculative for now.
