TLDR:
- SEC delays the HBAR & DOT ETF verdict again, and the final decision is set for November 8.
- Polkadot and Hedera ETF’s decisions were pushed to November 8, and optimism stayed high.
- HBAR & DOT ETFs face SEC delay but market confidence shows no signs of drop.
- SEC extends review for altcoin ETFs; final call for HBAR & DOT on Nov 8.
- HBAR & DOT ETFs are still pending. SEC seeks time for uniform listing standards.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended its decision deadline for the Hedera (HBAR) and Polkadot (DOT) ETFs. Following previous extensions in April and June, both filings now face a final ruling by November 8. Despite the delay, market confidence in the approval of these altcoin ETFs remains steady.
SEC Pushes Final Decision on Canary HBAR ETF
The SEC extended the review period for the Canary HBAR ETF, pushing the deadline to November 8 for a final decision. Nasdaq initially submitted the listing proposal on February 21 and later filed an amendment on March 4. This is the third pause in the approval timeline since the ETF’s introduction.
The regulator cited the need for additional time to evaluate compliance with Nasdaq’s commodity-based trust shares rule. The delay follows multiple calls for public feedback and reflects the SEC’s ongoing review process. The focus remains on whether the HBAR ETF aligns with current market listing standards.
HBAR showed resilience despite the delay, gaining 1% over the last 24 hours and trading at $0.2206. Its weekly gain reached approximately 1.8%, while the 24-hour high touched $0.2222. The consistent price movement indicates sustained market confidence in potential ETF approval.
Grayscale’s Polkadot ETF Faces Identical SEC Delay
The Grayscale Polkadot (DOT) ETF also encountered its third delay, with the SEC pushing the final decision date to November 8. Like HBAR, the DOT ETF underwent delays in April and June after initial filing. The SEC extended the period to assess the Nasdaq-proposed rule change properly.
Polkadot’s ETF shares similar structural questions with HBAR’s proposal, centered on listing requirements and regulatory compliance. The SEC emphasized the need to consider listing the ETF under a standardized framework for spot altcoin products. This move underscores the broader regulatory objective of unifying ETF approval processes.
Polkadot responded strongly, jumping nearly 4% in 24 hours and registering a 225% surge in trading volume. DOT’s current price sits around $4.03, showing bullish sentiment in response to what many view as a procedural delay. The strong trading activity reinforces confidence in future ETF approval.
Uniform Standards Delay Approval but Boost Optimism
The SEC is delaying decisions not due to concerns about HBAR or DOT specifically, but due to structural listing standards. Major exchanges, including Nasdaq and NYSE, proposed amendments to redefine commodities and remove exclusions. This effort aims to simplify the path for altcoin ETFs under uniform guidelines.
Market participants expect altcoin ETF approvals once standards are finalized. Bloomberg analysts maintained a 90% approval likelihood for both the HBAR and DOT ETFs. These expectations contribute to positive sentiment and price support across related tokens.
The SEC’s decision on both ETFs now hinges on broader changes to ETF frameworks. November 8 serves as the new decision milestone for these altcoin products. Approval of these ETFs may open doors for a wider range of crypto-based investment vehicles.
