Regulators Ask Issuers to Retract 19b-4s as ETFs Poised for Rapid Approval

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has told crypto ETF issuers to withdraw their 19b-4 filings, potentially fast-tracking approvals under newly updated rules, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The SEC recently introduced generic listing standards, allowing exchanges to list commodity-based exchange-traded products (ETPs), including crypto ETFs, without individual review. This eliminates a major regulatory hurdle for spot crypto ETFs.

Previously, issuers had to submit 19b-4 filings—requests for exchanges to amend listing rules—before launching an ETF. Under the new rules, only an S-1 registration statement detailing the ETF’s structure is required.

“Approvals could happen extremely quickly if the SEC chooses to move,” said James Seyffart, Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst. “We could see decisions in days, though timing may depend on first-to-file priority.”

Recent filings have covered coins like Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE). The removal of the 19b-4 step streamlines the process, shifting regulatory focus entirely to the S-1. Exchanges can now list eligible crypto ETFs under generic commodity rules without submitting a rule-change petition each time.

The SEC’s change signals a shift toward facilitating crypto ETF launches, though uncertainty remains amid potential government disruptions.