Solana ETF Speculation Heats Up as CME Activity Reaches Record Highs

Institutional interest in solana is surging, with speculation mounting that a spot ETF approval could be imminent. Recent data from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) shows unprecedented activity in Solana futures, signaling strong demand from large investors. As of June 2025, open interest peaked at 2,849 contracts worth $146 million, while notional trading volume surpassed $3 billion since March—10% of which came from block trades. Despite price volatility, Solana's growing presence in regulated markets positions it as a frontrunner for the next crypto ETF, potentially unlocking massive institutional capital inflows.

Rising Solana Activity on CME Signals ETF Launch Could Be Imminent

Speculation intensifies as Solana emerges as a frontrunner for the next spot ETF approval. Institutional interest surges despite recent price volatility, with CME futures activity reaching unprecedented levels.

Solana futures on CME hit record highs in June, with open interest peaking at 2,849 contracts worth $146 million. Over $3 billion in notional volume has traded since March, with 10% executed via large block trades—a clear institutional footprint.

Market sentiment appears bullish. Polymarket traders price in 91% approval odds, while Google searches for "Solana ETF" spiked 650% in June. Analysts anticipate a 40-50% price surge upon repricing.

Byreal Unveils Vision for Onchain Capital Markets at Solana APEX

Solana Foundation President Lily Liu joined Bybit CEO Ben Zhou and Byreal Founder Emily Bao in a landmark fireside chat at Solana APEX, signaling a seismic shift in asset tokenization. The trio presented a unified vision where traditional and decentralized finance merge through blockchain infrastructure.

"Onchain capital markets for traditional assets are closer than we think," Liu declared, positioning Solana as the future hub for everything from memecoins to tokenized equities. The xStocks project looms as a potential game-changer, offering global investors non-U.S. public market exposure via native onchain instruments.

Zhou's revelation of Bybit's MiCAR license underscores the exchange's strategic pivot toward regulatory-compliant Web3 integration. "It's no longer CEX versus DEX—now it's CEX plus DEX," he asserted, framing 2025 as the inflection point for institutional-grade blockchain adoption.

Solana-Based StarFun Launches Crypto Crowdfunding Platform for Startups

Star.fun, a new Solana-powered launchpad, aims to democratize startup funding by allowing crypto-native investors to participate through token purchases. The platform leverages Meteora's liquidity pools and plans to implement AI-driven code vetting for projects.

Founder Adam Bergeman envisions a world where entrepreneurs can bypass traditional VC channels entirely. "You can build a business and raise money for it all from your laptop without needing intros to VCs," Bergeman stated.

The platform's native STAR token serves dual purposes: granting access to exclusive funding rounds and rewarding user referrals. With a $2.5 million fundraising goal and $12.5 million target valuation, Star.fun represents the latest innovation in decentralized capital formation.

Solana's Marinade Finance Introduces Tools to Combat Validator Sandwich Attacks

Solana-based Marinade Finance has launched a suite of tools designed to detect and penalize validators engaging in sandwich attacks, a predatory practice where validators manipulate transaction sequencing to profit at traders' expense. The MOVE addresses a long-standing challenge within the Solana ecosystem.

The new system includes enhanced blacklisting mechanisms and slashing tools that reduce rewards for malicious actors. Marinade identified exploitative behavior in SOL delegated through its Stake Auction Marketplace, prompting the development of these countermeasures.

Anatoly Yakovenko, Solana's co-founder, has publicly endorsed the initiative. Marinade Select, a curated list of trusted validators, provides stakers with safer delegation options while maintaining network decentralization.