The SEC introduced new guidelines for registration statements, including crypto ETF filings, to progress through Sections 8(a) and 461 of the Securities Act. Generic listing standards approved in 2025 removed individual 19(b) approvals for qualifying crypto ETPs, creating a backlog of over 900 filings during the government shutdown. Issuers can now choose between automatic or accelerated effectiveness for faster launches.

The regulatory freeze in 2025 halted progress on over 900 pending registration filings, including altcoins like Solana, XRP, Chainlink, and Dogecoin. The new generic listing standards approved in September 2025 removed the bottleneck created by individualized Section 19(b) review, paving the way for faster launches once the government shutdown ended.

During the shutdown, more than 900 filings were left in limbo, forcing ETF issuers to rely on the automatic 20-day effectiveness provision under Section 8(a) of the Securities Act. The SEC’s post-shutdown guidance outlines how stalled applications can be accelerated for launch, highlighting the need for a more efficient review process.

The SEC’s new guidelines post-shutdown clarify how applications in the backlog will be processed, offering two primary mechanisms for moving them forward: automatic 20-day effectiveness and request for acceleration via amendment. The SEC will review filings in the order they were received, providing a roadmap for issuers seeking faster approval.

The SEC’s guidance does not guarantee faster approval for crypto ETFs, but it streamlines the process by leveraging automatic effectiveness and Rule 461 acceleration requests. By combining these mechanisms with generic listing standards, compliant altcoin ETPs can be launched quicker and more predictably, targeting specific windows with certainty.

While the SEC has expedited approval timelines, investor protection rules remain stringent. Fast approval does not reduce legal responsibility, with liability and antifraud provisions still applying to all registration statements. ETF providers must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure accuracy, especially when navigating compressed timelines.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Why SEC’s new guidelines could speed up approval process for crypto ETFs