Nasdaq Moves to List CoinShares XRP and Litecoin ETFs

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The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a pivotal development as Nasdaq officially submits key regulatory filings for the potential listing of two major spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to XRP and Litecoin (LTC). This move marks a significant step toward broader institutional adoption and could reshape the landscape for altcoin investment in the United States.

Nasdaq Files 19b-4 Applications for CoinShares XRP and Litecoin ETFs

Nasdaq has filed a 19b-4 application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list and trade the CoinShares XRP ETF and CoinShares Litecoin ETF. These filings follow closely after CoinShares submitted its S-1 registration forms for spot XRP and LTC ETFs, signaling a coordinated push to bring these digital assets into the mainstream financial ecosystem.

The 19b-4 form is a crucial step in the ETF approval process, as it requests permission for a national securities exchange to list and trade a new financial product. By backing CoinShares’ proposals, Nasdaq is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of crypto ETF innovation—expanding investor access beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into high-potential altcoins.

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This strategic expansion reflects growing confidence in the long-term viability of digital assets and aims to increase exposure for retail and institutional customers alike. As one of the world’s most trusted financial exchanges, Nasdaq’s involvement adds credibility and regulatory rigor to these proposed funds.

Why Litecoin ETF Approval May Come First

Market analysts widely believe that a Litecoin ETF is more likely to gain SEC approval before an XRP ETF—and for compelling reasons.

Litecoin shares strong structural similarities with Bitcoin, often referred to as “digital silver” to Bitcoin’s “digital gold.” More importantly, in a past legal case involving KuCoin, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) classified Litecoin as a commodity, not a security. This designation places it outside the SEC’s jurisdiction over securities, significantly reducing regulatory hurdles.

In contrast, XRP remains entangled in ongoing legal ambiguity. Although Ripple won partial victories in its high-profile lawsuit with the SEC, regulators have not yet officially classified XRP as a commodity. Until that happens, any ETF tied to XRP faces steeper approval challenges.

Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, reinforced this outlook, stating:

“Litecoin ETF now has all the boxes checked. The first altcoin ETF of 2025 is about to be on the clock. I don’t see any reason why this would be withdrawn given SEC gave comments on the S-1, Litecoin is seen as a commodity, and there’s a new SEC sheriff in town.”

With favorable regulatory signals and institutional momentum building, many experts now view Litecoin as the most likely candidate for the first spot altcoin ETF approval in U.S. history.

Market Sentiment Soars: Polymarket Odds Show 81% Approval Chances

Investor sentiment around both ETFs has surged dramatically, as reflected on Polymarket, a prediction platform where users bet on future financial outcomes.

As of early 2025:

This rapid increase in perceived likelihood underscores growing market confidence, particularly for Litecoin. Traders and analysts interpret these numbers as signs that regulators may soon open the door to diversified crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin.

Litecoin Price Rallies Amid ETF Speculation

The anticipation surrounding a potential Litecoin ETF has already triggered bullish momentum in the market.

Litecoin recently surged 9%, climbing from $107 to $117 within days of the Nasdaq filing news. At the time of writing, LTC trades at $118.17, marking a 9.8% gain in 24 hours—outpacing many top cryptocurrencies.

Technical analyst Carl Moon noted that Litecoin has broken out of an ascending triangle pattern, a bullish formation often preceding significant price increases. Based on historical precedents and volume trends, Moon predicts a potential 17% rally, targeting $128 in the near term.

Such price action mirrors earlier patterns seen with Bitcoin prior to its spot ETF approvals—fueling speculation that LTC could be next in line for institutional-grade investment inflows.

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Core Keywords Driving Market Interest

This evolving narrative is powered by several core keywords that reflect both search intent and investor priorities:

These terms are increasingly dominant in financial discourse, appearing across news platforms, social media, and search queries. Their natural integration into market analysis helps improve SEO visibility while delivering value-aligned content for readers seeking timely, actionable intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does the Nasdaq 19b-4 filing mean for XRP and Litecoin investors?
A: The filing is a formal request to list and trade CoinShares’ proposed XRP and Litecoin ETFs. If approved, it would allow investors to gain exposure through traditional brokerage accounts—similar to stock trading—without holding the underlying assets directly.

Q: Why is Litecoin considered more likely than XRP to get ETF approval?
A: Litecoin is already classified as a commodity by the CFTC, avoiding classification as a security. This clear regulatory status reduces legal risk. XRP, while making progress in court cases, still lacks an official commodity designation from U.S. regulators.

Q: When could we expect a decision on these ETFs?
A: The SEC typically follows a structured review timeline after S-1 and 19b-4 filings. While no official deadline exists, decisions on similar products have come within 6–12 months. Given current momentum, mid-to-late 2025 is a plausible window.

Q: How might an approved ETF impact XRP or LTC prices?
A: Historical data from Bitcoin’s spot ETF launch shows significant price appreciation following approval due to increased institutional demand. A similar effect could occur with XRP or LTC, especially if large asset managers begin allocating capital.

Q: Are there risks involved with these ETFs?
A: Yes. Regulatory delays, market volatility, and potential rejection by the SEC remain risks. Additionally, ETFs come with management fees and may not perfectly track the underlying asset price due to liquidity or structure differences.

Q: Can I invest in these ETFs now?
A: Not yet. The CoinShares XRP and Litecoin ETFs are still under regulatory review. Investors should monitor official SEC announcements and only engage through licensed platforms once available.

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Final Outlook: A New Era for Altcoin Investing?

The combined momentum behind Nasdaq’s filings, CoinShares’ product development, and rising market confidence suggests that 2025 could be a landmark year for altcoin ETFs. With Litecoin leading the charge due to its favorable regulatory standing, and XRP gaining ground amid shifting enforcement attitudes, both assets are poised for unprecedented institutional integration.

For investors, this evolution represents more than just new trading vehicles—it signals deeper validation of digital assets within traditional finance. As barriers fall and infrastructure strengthens, the path toward widespread crypto adoption grows clearer.

Whether you're tracking price movements, regulatory shifts, or long-term investment strategies, staying informed is essential. The race for the first spot altcoin ETF is heating up—and history may soon be made on Nasdaq’s trading floor.