Memecoin ETFs Could Hit Markets by 2026—If They Clear This One Regulatory Nightmare

Wall Street’s latest crypto craving? Memecoin ETFs. Analysts say they’re inevitable—but regulators might kill the joke before it starts.

Forget Bitcoin futures or Ethereum staking derivatives. The real frontier of crypto finance is a Dogecoin-backed ETF—and it’s closer than you think. One prediction puts memecoin ETFs on the table by 2026, turning internet jokes into tradable assets. Cue the institutional FOMO.

The hurdle? The SEC still hasn’t figured out if a Shiba Inu counts as a security. Until then, enjoy watching finance professionals pretend they ‘get’ memes while lobbying for approval.

Bonus jab: Nothing says ‘mature asset class’ like betting your retirement on a token named after a doge meme. Bullish.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas weighs in

Adding to the fray, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas anticipated a wave of actively managed cryptocurrency ETFs to emerge by late 2025, setting the stage for more niche offerings.

He projects that a U.S.-listed memecoin-focused ETF could make its debut as early as 2026, reflecting growing interest in these once-dismissed digital assets.

Balchunas added, 

“Really good chance this exists at some point. First we’ll get slew of active crypto ETFs (eta Winter 2025). Active memecoin-only likely 2026 tho.”

He further added,

“The return dispersion (and lack of sell side coverage) ripe for active. Could produce next star manager. Who knows.”

He believes that memecoin-focused ETFs could be well-suited for active management strategies, given the uneven performance across various tokens and the limited financial research surrounding them.

The Bloomberg analyst also suggested that instead of holding memecoins directly, these ETFs might gain exposure through alternative mechanisms.

For instance, they could invest in other ETFs registered under the 1940 or 1933 Acts that include memecoin holdings.

This approach would allow fund managers to craft flexible portfolios while staying within current regulatory boundaries, potentially making such products more viable for mainstream investors.

Challenges ahead

However, despite growing interest in niche crypto ETFs, progress remains stalled as the SEC continues to delay rulings on several proposals involving Ripple [XRP], Solana [SOL], Litecoin [LTC], and Dogecoin [DOGE].

These repeated deferrals have sparked frustration among issuers.

In response, ETF providers like VanEck, 21Shares, and Canary Capital have formally requested the SEC to return to a “first-to-file” review model, arguing that it would restore fairness and transparency to the approval process.

Until then, the path forward for memecoin and other crypto-focused ETFs remains uncertain, hinging on regulatory clarity.