SEC Delays 21Shares Polkadot ETF Decision Until Q4 2025, Price Dips 2%

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Key Takeaways:

• The SEC has delayed its decision on the 21Shares Polkadot ETF to November 8, 2025, as part of its broader crypto ETF review strategy.
• DOT’s price dipped 2%, but analysts remain optimistic about approval by late 2025, especially as the SEC refines its approach to crypto-linked funds.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on the 21Shares Polkadot Spot ETF to November 8, 2025, pushing the ruling more than four months beyond the original June 24 deadline. The decision extends the Commission’s careful approach toward digital asset investment products amid a surge in ETF filings across the crypto sector.

This delay places the Polkadot ETF among more than 70 pending crypto-related ETF applications, highlighting the SEC’s strategic pattern of requesting extended review periods. These extensions are typically used to gather public commentary and evaluate market-linked risks before making final rulings on new financial instruments.

DOT Price Reacts with Dip, but Outlook Stays Positive

Following the news, Polkadot’s native token (DOT) fell nearly 2%, reaching a 24-hour low of $3.41. Despite the drop, market analysts view this as a short-term correction, not a reflection of long-term concerns surrounding the blockchain’s fundamentals or its ETF prospects.

“This delay is procedural — not a rejection,” noted Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart. “The SEC’s actions suggest it’s still building its framework for crypto-linked funds. We could see movement by Q4 2025.”

Polkadot, known for enabling blockchain interoperability, remains a strong contender for ETF approval due to its utility and institutional backing. Approval of the 21Shares ETF would allow investors to gain DOT exposure via traditional platforms, possibly unlocking wider adoption.

A Growing Backlog of Crypto ETFs Under Review

The Polkadot delay is part of a broader trend of postponed rulings across the crypto ETF space. Similar delays have affected ETFs tied to XRP, Solana, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and HBAR, among others.

Despite the rising backlog, the SEC has not denied these applications, which many see as a positive sign. Instead, these delays appear to reflect a measured approach as regulators work to create clear evaluation criteria for digital asset funds — especially after the landmark approvals of Bitcoin ETFs earlier in 2025.

Financial giants like BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity also have crypto ETFs pending, indicating that major players are positioning themselves for eventual regulatory clarity.

Also Read: DOT Price Analysis: Polkadot Eyes 150% Surge If this Key Support Holds

CBDCs and Regulatory Framework May Shape Timelines

The delays also come at a time when governments, including South Korea and the EU, are advancing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and comprehensive digital asset laws. The lack of a consistent U.S. framework for crypto ETFs leaves the SEC in a position where it must proceed cautiously with each decision.

Market watchers believe that the current delays could give the SEC more time to finalize its stance on crypto fund structures, which could result in more consistent approvals starting in late 2025 or early 2026.

What’s Next for the Polkadot ETF?

As the next review deadline approaches in November 2025, the spotlight remains on whether the SEC will start issuing approvals for more altcoin-linked ETFs. While speculative memecoin ETFs like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu are reportedly slated for potential 2026 launches, utility-based tokens like Polkadot could receive priority consideration.

Until then, investors and issuers alike are waiting on regulatory movement. Each delay adds pressure on the SEC to offer a clear pathway forward for digital asset ETFs — particularly as global markets continue to embrace crypto.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses