Crypto ETFs in 2025: Will Solana, XRP, Litecoin, or Hedera Be Approved First?

The cryptocurrency market is on fire as the race for altcoin ETFs heats up, especially with Gary Gensler stepping down as SEC Chair on January 20, 2025. Notably, Solana (SOL), XRP, Litecoin (LTC), and Hedera (HBAR) are now the frontrunners, and industry experts and investors are eagerly predicting which will be the first altcoin to get approval after BTC & ETF ETF.

Who’s Next: SOL, XRP, LTC, HBAR

After the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, altcoin ETFs are now gaining attention. While, Solana (SOL) leads the pack for its fast transactions and low fees, making it a top choice for decentralized apps and NFTs. 

However, Ripples (XRP) has also gained renewed interest following its partial win in the SEC lawsuit, boosting its potential for cross-border payments.

Perhaps Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, predicts that new contenders will gain early approval in the ETF race in 2025. He suggests that Litecoin might be among the first to receive approval, given its similarity to Bitcoin, while Hedera (HBAR) could follow next. 

Unfortunately, Balchunas, says that Solana and XRP might face delays due to ongoing legal battles.

Institutional Filings for Altcoin ETFs

Meanwhile, several major institutions have already applied for altcoin ETFs, signaling growing confidence in regulatory approval. Franklin Templeton has filed for ETFs featuring Solana (SOL) and XRP, reflecting their increasing adoption and market strength.

Bitwise, a top digital asset firm, is focusing on a diversified altcoin ETF with Litecoin (LTC) and Hedera (HBAR) as key holdings. 

WisdomTree, known for its innovative ETFs, is also targeting Solana and Hedera, highlighting their strong technical foundations in decentralized apps.

Analyst’s Price Predictions For SOL, XRP, LTC, HBAR

Jeff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, has optimistic price forecasts. He expects Solana to surge to $560 by the end of 2025, driven by its strong ecosystem. 

XRP, after its partial win against the SEC, could reach $2.50, while Litecoin might rise to $150, benefiting from its Bitcoin-like qualities. Hedera, with its unique hashgraph tech, is projected to hit $0.6.