Meme Coin ETFs Predicted to Hit Markets by 2026—Wall Street Prepares to Monetize the Absurd

Bloomberg’s top analysts are betting on meme coins going mainstream—with ETF launches expected within the next year. Because nothing says 'mature asset class' like Dogecoin derivatives.

Wall Street’s latest gold rush? Packaging internet jokes as investable products. The move signals either bold innovation or peak financialization—take your pick.

One thing’s certain: TradFi won’t miss a chance to skim fees off speculative chaos. Just don’t call it a bubble—call it 'democratized finance.'

Since after the launch of Bitcoin, & ethereum ETF, now a fresh wave of excitement is building around the meme coin ETF. The idea, first sparked by crypto trader Vladcoin, is now being seen as a real possibility by Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas. He believes there’s a strong chance we could see this unique fund by 2026.

ETF Analyst Sees a Real Chance

In response to Vladcoin’s idea of having an ETF that buys and sells meme coins based on how well they perform, buying the promising ones and selling off the weaker ones.

Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said there’s a “really good chance” that an actively managed meme coin ETF could exist in the future. However, he added that it WOULD probably take some time to happen. 

Really good chance this exists at some point. First we’ll get slew of active crypto ETFs (eta Winter 2025). Active meme coin-only likely 2026 tho. The return dispersion (and lack of sell side coverage) ripe for active. Could produce next star manager. Who knows. https://t.co/9CcEc4xmev

He expects to see many active crypto ETFs launch by winter 2025, but a meme coin-only active ETF is more likely to come around 2026.

Meanwhile, polygon-based prediction market Polymarket predicts that Dogecoin ETF will see approval by the end of 2025 with a probability of 44%. 

No Meme Coin ETFs Yet

While we don’t have a meme coin-only ETF yet, the idea isn’t completely out of the blue. Several big asset managers have already launched or filed for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, including BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck. These funds have been very popular, bringing in billions of dollars in assets within months.

Some smaller players have also filed for “crypto basket” ETFs that invest in a mix of digital assets, but so far, no one has filed for a meme coin-only ETF. Still, the idea is gaining interest.

Why Meme Coins?

Eric believes that meme coins could be perfect for active management. Meme coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe are known for their huge price swings and hype-driven moves. Many don’t have traditional research or clear fundamentals, which makes it hard to know which ones will survive. 

Eric also hinted that if this kind of ETF comes to life, it could create a new star in the investing world.