2025 could be a big year for Solana (SOL) as many believe it might finally see the launch of its very own spot exchange-traded fund (ETF). This type of investment tool, already available for Bitcoin and more recently for Ethereum, allows people to invest in a cryptocurrency without directly buying it. While applications for a Solana ETF were submitted earlier this year, no approval has come through yet.

Solana had a strong 2023, standing out as one of the most active altcoins aside from Bitcoin. Activity on the Solana network grew by an impressive 83% over the past year. Several factors contributed to this surge, including excitement around meme coins and the rise of artificial intelligence projects. These trends even caused Solana’s price movements to closely resemble those of Nvidia, a tech giant benefiting from AI advancements.

In late 2023, Solana’s decentralized exchanges (DEXs) made headlines by surpassing Ethereum’s DEXs in trading volume not once but twice. On November 22, for example, Solana’s DEX trading volume soared beyond $100 billion, showcasing its growing dominance in the crypto space.

However, when it comes to ETFs, Ethereum is still ahead. A spot Ethereum ETF launched recently, giving it a leg up over Solana. Despite early efforts by issuers to get a Solana ETF approved back in the spring, there’s still no green light from regulators. Experts believe 2025 could be the turning point for this, largely due to expected changes in U.S. leadership and the stance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The stakes for 2025 are high. The demand for crypto ETFs is booming, with eight of the top ETF launches expected in 2024 being crypto-focused. These include four spot Bitcoin ETFs, two spot Ethereum ETFs, and two tied to MicroStrategy stocks—a company heavily invested in Bitcoin. Out of nearly 740 new ETFs hitting the market, this trend highlights the growing interest in crypto investments.

As the crypto world gears up for what could be an explosive 2025, all eyes are on regulators. The demand is clear; now it’s just a matter of waiting for approval.