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Analyst Predicts Memecoin ETFs by 2026, But One Hurdle Remains
The cryptocurrency market has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of altcoins and memecoins. As a result, there is growing interest in the creation of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on these digital assets. Recent statements made by Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas suggest that actively managed memecoin ETFs could make their debut as early as 2026.
Balchunas believes that the uneven performance across various tokens and limited financial research surrounding them make it an ideal opportunity for active management strategies. He emphasized that instead of holding memecoins directly, these ETFs might invest in other ETFs registered under the 1940 or 1933 Acts that include memecoin holdings.
However, despite growing interest in niche crypto ETFs, progress remains stalled due to ongoing regulatory delays. The SEC has repeatedly delayed its decision on proposals involving Ripple [XRP], Solana [SOL], Litecoin [LTC], and Dogecoin [DOGE]. These repeated deferrals have caused frustration among issuers.
In response to the delay, ETF providers like VanEck, 21Shares, and Canary Capital have formally requested the SEC to return to a “first-to-file” review model. They argue that it would restore fairness and transparency to the approval process. Until this hurdle is overcome, the path forward for memecoin and other crypto-focused ETFs remains uncertain.
As of now, there are no specific details on what the delay has done to influence Balchunas’ projections. Nevertheless, his prediction underscores the growing demand for actively managed crypto products.
Source: ambcrypto.com
