Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval to List 21Shares Spot Dogecoin ETF Amid Growing Crypto ETF Wave

Nasdaq has filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list the 21Shares Spot Dogecoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). This marks a significant step toward wider acceptance of Dogecoin within regulated investment markets.

Details of the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF

The proposed ETF offers investors passive exposure to Dogecoin (DOGE). It tracks the CF DOGE-Dollar U.S. Settlement Price Index, avoiding speculative practices like leverage or derivatives. Structured as a Maryland statutory trust, 21Shares serves as sponsor and manager, with Coinbase Custody as custodian of the underlying Dogecoin assets.

This ETF aims to provide institutional and retail investors with a regulated, accessible way to invest in Dogecoin through traditional brokerage accounts. This eliminates the complexities and risks associated with holding DOGE directly on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Regulatory Context and Market Environment

Nasdaq's filing follows 21Shares' initial S-1 submission in early April 2025 and arrives amidst a surge in crypto ETF applications. The SEC is currently reviewing over 70 proposals encompassing various digital assets, including altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Polkadot, as well as memecoins such as Bonk and Official Trump.

This wave of applications reflects a more crypto-friendly regulatory climate under SEC Chair Paul Atkins. He has expressed optimism about digital assets and is working to establish clear regulatory frameworks. The SEC approved spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2024, setting a precedent.

Despite this progress, the SEC has delayed decisions on several crypto ETFs, including those tracking Dogecoin and XRP, extending review periods to mid-June 2025 for further consideration.

Significance for Dogecoin and the Crypto Market

Dogecoin, initially a meme cryptocurrency, has become a significant digital asset with a market capitalization nearing $26 billion (as of late April 2025). Its proof-of-work blockchain facilitates faster and cheaper peer-to-peer payments than Bitcoin, processing over 40,000 transactions daily.

A spot Dogecoin ETF would broaden investor access, allowing passive investment in DOGE without direct exposure to cryptocurrency market volatility and custody challenges. Further, planned layer-2 scaling solutions to support smart contracts on the Dogecoin network may enhance its utility and appeal.

Broader Industry Implications

Nasdaq's move reflects growing confidence in the expansion of crypto investment products beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. 21Shares, alongside competitors like Bitwise and Grayscale, is actively pursuing SEC approval for spot Dogecoin ETFs.

Nasdaq has also advocated for consistent regulatory standards for digital assets, urging the SEC to apply the same oversight to cryptocurrencies that qualify as securities. This reinforces the push for clearer crypto regulation in the U.S.

Outlook

The SEC's decision on the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF is expected within a 240-day review period following acknowledgment of the filing, potentially by late 2025. Market sentiment suggests approximately a 59% chance of approval this year.

This development contributes to a broader trend of increased institutional interest and regulatory evolution in the crypto ETF space. It signals a transformative period for digital asset investment options in the United States.