SHIB ETF Approval Odds: Will the SEC Greenlight Dogecoin’s Rival?

SEC faces meme coin dilemma as Shiba Inu ETF applications gather dust

The Regulatory Gauntlet

Wall Street's latest obsession? Turning internet joke coins into legitimate investment vehicles. Shiba Inu, that dog-themed cryptocurrency that made millionaires overnight, now wants ETF approval—because nothing says 'serious financial instrument' like a token named after a Japanese hunting dog.

Political Pressure Points

Congressional crypto advocates push for broader digital asset acceptance while the SEC maintains its trademark skepticism. The commission approved Bitcoin ETFs after a decade-long battle—but SHIB isn't Bitcoin. Regulators eye Shiba Inu's volatility and meme origins with the same enthusiasm they'd reserve for a root canal.

Market Realities

Institutional investors whisper about diversification while quietly questioning whether they're being punk'd. The same firms that once dismissed SHIB as a 'joke' now file paperwork with straight faces—proving Wall Street will embrace anything if there's enough zero at the end.

Bottom Line: Don't hold your breath. The SEC moves at bureaucratic speed, and meme coins rank somewhere below 'stablecoin regulation' and above 'finding Satoshi' on their priority list. Sometimes the dog doesn't hunt.

Will Shiba Inu (SHIB) Ever Get An ETF?

The cryptocurrency industry in the US has seen a dramatic shift in 2025. The Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for the crypto sector. The SEC has also seen a change in its vision for the future of cryptocurrencies in the country. However, ETF approvals for memecoins, like Shiba Inu (SHIB), are still uncertain.

According to White House crypto czar David Sacks, memecoins are neither securities nor commodities. In an interview, Sacks stated, ““

The lack of clear definitions for memecoins could be a barrier to ETF approvals. Moreover, Shiba Inu (SHIB) and other memecoins are among the riskiest assets. The high-risk factor could prevent the SEC from approving a spot SHIB ETF.

However, there is still a chance that the SEC will approve a Shiba Inu (SHIB) ETF in the future. Recently, we saw the launch of Rex Financial & Osprey Funds’ Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF, called DOJE. The ETF made its debut on Sept. 18, 2025, marking the first instance of a memecoin ETF. The development could change the discourse on memecoin ETFs. Shiba Inu (SHIB) could also follow a similar trajectory. Given SHIB’s incredible popularity, financial institutions could capitalize on the large fanbase of the memecoin. However, no SHIB ETF application has been submitted to the SEC so far.