Meme coin ETFs could launch by 2026, says Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.
Actively managed crypto ETFs may begin by late 2025, enabling niche offerings.
Dogecoin’s 1933 Act filing may serve as the SEC test case for meme coin ETFs.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas predicts that the U.S.-based meme coin ETF will appear sometime before 2026. His projection follows recent developments pointing to growing interest in niche crypto investment products.
Balchunas believes that actively managed crypto ETFs may begin rolling out by the end of 2025, laying the foundation for specialized funds focused solely on memecoins.
Balchunas shared his insights in a response on X, highlighting the potential for a memecoin-only ETF within the next two years. He stated that such products are likely to benefit from active management due to the volatile nature of meme coins and their inconsistent financial coverage.
The proposed structure of these ETFs could involve exposure through other crypto-related funds registered under the 1940 or 1933 Acts, allowing for regulatory compliance and portfolio flexibility.
Shift Toward Active Crypto ETFs Post-2025
The projected timeline for memecoin ETFs follows the anticipated introduction of actively managed cryptocurrency funds in late 2025. Analysts suggest that this new class of ETFs could trigger a wave of more specific offerings. This includes ETFs targeting narrow digital asset categories, such as memecoins.
Balchunas emphasized that the unique performance range among various memecoins creates opportunities for selective trading strategies. Fund managers may opt for existing crypto-focused ETFs or investment vehicles instead of direct token management that comply with federal securities laws. This approach would enable more dynamic exposure to memecoins while aligning with current regulations.
Industry voices also weighed in on the matter. ETF strategist Dave Nadig noted that regulatory classifications present structural limitations. Grantor trusts, which many memecoins fall under, are not eligible for active management under existing rules. This complicates the path to launching such a product but does not make it impossible.
Regulatory Climate May Support Future Approvals
Ongoing shifts in regulatory leadership may influence the timeline for crypto ETF approvals. As chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Paul Atkins supports expanding access to digital assets. The change may result in revised approval processes which could speed up the listing of ETFs focused on memecoins.
The SEC's current measures show an ongoing need for caution. The SEC postponed decisions on prominent cryptocurrency ETFs which include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP Solana and Dogecoin based funds.
These delays push decisions to October 2025, limiting momentum for immediate growth in the ETF market. The approval of staking mechanisms and spot trading options remains under review.
Grayscale’s XRP ETF and 21Shares’ Ethereum proposal are among those affected. However, Balchunas pointed to Dogecoin’s ETF filing under the 1933 Act as a key development. He said the regulatory response to this filing could determine how future memecoin-related applications are assessed.
Dogecoin Likely to Serve as Regulatory Test Case
As the most established memecoin, Dogecoin is expected to serve as the benchmark for SEC decisions. Its inclusion in ETF proposals is viewed as a strategic step to test regulatory openness. Analysts consider Dogecoin’s filing as a litmus test for whether niche digital asset ETFs will gain traction under revised SEC standards.
While the exact framework remains unclear, the market is preparing for further guidance. If the SEC responds favorably to Dogecoin’s submission, other memecoins could follow similar paths. The result may be a broader acceptance of collectibles-based ETF structures, offering new investment avenues in the cryptocurrency sector.
