Grayscale’s Dogecoin ETF could launch as soon as November 24, following a 20-day SEC review clock triggered after its registration filing. Bitwise also seeks automatic approval, marking a significant step in the institutionalization of meme coins.
These filings indicate a significant shift in regulatory oversight as Multiple asset managers now compete to bring Dogecoin into traditional portfolios through tax-efficient and regulated vehicles.
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SEC Review Process Accelerates Approval Timeline
This faster timeline stems from Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933. The provision allows registration statements to automatically become effective 20 days after filing, unless the SEC takes action.
Grayscale and Bitwise are using this to skip the more complex 19b-4 exchange rule procedure usually needed for ETF launches.
The official SEC guidance confirms that registration statements gain automatic effectiveness under Section 8(a) after 20 days. This shortcut has expedited product launches as institutional interest in cryptocurrency investment grows.
Bitwise filed its application on November 7. This could set the stage for a late November launch. Meanwhile, Balchunas predicts a November 24 launch for Grayscale, though he cautioned that confirmation depends on official exchange notice.
The SEC has acknowledged both filings, kicking off the regulatory review and public comment period.
Grayscale launched its Dogecoin Trust on January 31, 2025, as a precursor to the ETF application. The Trust enables investors to gain Dogecoin exposure without direct ownership, addressing custody and security concerns that have deterred many institutions.
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Commodity Classification Boosts Approval Odds
Dogecoin’s likely classification as a commodity, rather than a security, now plays a significant role in its approval prospects.
This classification helps sidestep the legal issues that have slowed Solana and XRP ETF efforts, where securities status remains disputed.
The Federal Register filing for NYSE Arca’s proposed rule change directly references Dogecoin under Rule 8.201-E, which covers “Commodity-Based Trust Shares.”
This aligns with the Commodity Exchange Act and signals that both exchanges and the SEC consider Dogecoin a commodity fit for an ETF structure.
Bloomberg analysts predict a 90% chance of Dogecoin ETF approval, versus 95% for XRP. These estimates reflect rising confidence in the SEC’s openness to altcoin ETFs, following Solana ETF decisions earlier this year.
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However, the process still requires a 240-day review window after publication in the Federal Register. During this window, public input can shape the SEC’s final decision. The Commission may delay, request amendments, or issue stop orders if investor protection or market integrity is compromised.
Industry-Wide Institutional Push Gains Momentum
Meanwhile, the race for a Dogecoin ETF now extends beyond Grayscale and Bitwise. Leading asset managers, such as 21Shares, Rex Shares, and Osprey Funds, have filed similar applications, signaling an industry-wide consensus that meme coins are growing into institutional-grade investment products.
21Shares filed its Dogecoin ETF registration on April 9, 2025, detailing custody with Coinbase Custody Trust Company. Using independent, regulated custodians answers SEC demands for secure storage and institutional compliance, removing a major barrier for traditional finance.
ETFs offer clear advantages over direct crypto holdings.
- In-kind creation and redemption allow tax efficiency.
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- Regulated frameworks boost transparency and investor protection, features that spot trading lacks.
These benefits appeal to pension funds, endowments, and registered investment advisors with fiduciary obligations.
Industry observers predict that more than 200 crypto ETF approvals will be made by mid-2026. This trend could drive massive institutional capital flows and lower volatility, moving the market away from retail-dominated activity and closer to mainstream acceptance.
Despite this growing momentum, Dogecoin’s price has dropped, down 0.4499% in the last 24 hours. As of this writing, DOGE traded for $0.1543.
This suggests that ETF approvals may not deliver immediate gains, but steady institutional demand could eventually drive sustained growth.
The coming weeks will reveal whether regulatory timelines align with market expectations. Should Grayscale and Bitwise succeed in launching before year-end, Dogecoin would join Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana among the few cryptocurrencies available through US-regulated ETFs. Such a turnout would strengthen its status within the digital asset space.
