‘Cryptober’ Cancelled? US Government Shutdown Delays Altcoin ETF Approvals

The US government entered a shutdown on October 1, potentially delaying key positive catalysts for altcoins in the fourth quarter. These catalysts include the approval of altcoin spot ETFs and the conclusion of an investigation into Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) companies.

Hopes were high that an altcoin spot ETF, possibly a Solana ETF, would be approved as early as this month, but an extended government shutdown could postpone these developments indefinitely.

A Delay for an Awaiting Market

On Wednesday, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a notice regarding its operational status during the shutdown. The notice included a section on “Processing and Approvals of Filings and Registrations by Registrants and Regulated Entities.”

According to the notice, the SEC will not review or approve new financial product registration statements during the shutdown.

Expectations for altcoin spot ETF approval are higher than ever. This is especially true since the Trump administration’s pro-crypto policies have shifted the SEC’s stance in a positive direction.

The SEC has even recently allowed “generic listing standards” for crypto spot ETFs. However, a government-wide operational halt renders any regulatory progress moot.

Past shutdowns have shown that most federal employees, except essential personnel, must cease work. Crypto ETF approvals do not fall under essential services.

This means that the Solana ETF approval, which was expected as early as next week, could be delayed. Industry observers have anticipated that ETFs from several asset managers could be launched this week or next. These include Grayscale and Canary.

Investigations on Hold

The government shutdown is also likely to delay the ongoing FINRA investigation into over 200 DAT companies, which has been a major source of pressure on the sector.

The investigation was initiated over concerns that the stock price and trading volume of these companies surged unusually. This happened before they announced their plans to acquire crypto assets.

This joint SEC and FINRA investigation is examining potential insider trading or violations of Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD).

While FINRA will maintain its core investor protection functions during a government shutdown, non-essential services may be suspended or reduced. This would inevitably affect the pace of the investigation.

As a result, the regulatory scrutiny facing DAT companies could be delayed or rescheduled.