Hedera ETF Application with Grayscale: Request for SEC Approval, HBAR Token Price Surges 17.5%
In a significant move for the cryptocurrency market, Grayscale's spot Hedera ETF has entered the SEC's approval process. The ETF, aimed at providing regulated access to Hedera's cryptocurrency, HBAR, could potentially be listed and traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC if approved.
The filing marks a crucial milestone in the approval process, but the current chances of SEC approval remain uncertain. The regulatory body has extended the review period without setting a definitive deadline, signalling a cautious and thorough approach. This delay aligns with a broader timeline for evaluating crypto ETFs, as the SEC navigates the complexities of the rapidly evolving crypto market.
While the approval is not out of reach, it is unlikely in the immediate short term. The SEC's recent holds on similar crypto ETF products indicate that approval for the Grayscale spot Hedera ETF may hinge on regulatory clarity expected later in 2025. Market participants should prepare for continued uncertainty until the SEC finalizes its stance on altcoin-based ETFs, including Hedera’s.
Hedera's unique strengths and potential make it a significant player in the crypto market. Its hashgraph technology, designed to be faster, more secure, and more efficient than traditional blockchains, sets it apart. Hedera's latest price action also indicates growing confidence in its future, with a 17.5% surge in the last week, despite a 18.7% drop over the past 30 days.
Notably, Nasdaq has already filed a 19b-4 form with the SEC to list and trade Grayscale's spot Hedera ETF, reflecting their confidence in the ETF's potential. Eric Balchunas, a renowned ETF analyst, predicts that the Hedera ETF has a higher chance of receiving SEC approval compared to other altcoin ETFs.
If approved, the Hedera ETF could potentially spark a bigger rally in the crypto market. However, the market's optimism is tempered by the ongoing regulatory uncertainty. As the SEC continues its review, the crypto community eagerly awaits a decision that could shape the future of regulated cryptocurrency investment.
[1] CoinDesk (2025). Grayscale's Hedera ETF: SEC Approval Process Begins. [online] Available at: https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/03/01/grayscale-hedera-etf-sec-approval-process-begins/
[2] Cointelegraph (2025). Grayscale's HBAR ETF Delayed Until Late 2025. [online] Available at: https://cointelegraph.com/news/grayscale-s-hbar-etf-delayed-until-late-2025
[3] Forbes (2025). Grayscale's Hedera ETF: Cautious Approach from SEC. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbrett/2025/03/02/grayscales-hedera-etf-cautious-approach-from-sec/
[4] CNBC (2025). Grayscale's Hedera ETF: Nasdaq Files for Listing. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/03/grayscale-hedera-etf-nasdaq-files-for-listing.html
[5] Bloomberg (2025). Grayscale's Hedera ETF: SEC Review and Altcoin ETF Standards. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-04/grayscale-s-hedera-etf-sec-review-and-altcoin-etf-standards
- The Grayscale's Hedera ETF, potentially providing regulated access to Hedera's cryptocurrency, HBAR, could spark a bigger rally in the crypto market if approved, as Nasdaq has already filed a 19b-4 form to list and trade it.
- If approved, the Hedera ETF could be traded like any other stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, an opportunity that might attract institutional investors who are keen on cryptocurrency but prefer regulated investment options within the existing finance and technology framework.
- Though the filing marks a crucial milestone in the approval process, the current chances of SEC approval remain uncertain due to the ongoing complexities of the rapidly evolving crypto market and lack of regulatory clarity, as indicated by the recent holds on similar crypto ETF products.
