NEAR Joins Solana, Dogecoin, XRP in ETF Waiting Room—Will SEC Say Yes?

According to a public report by Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart on X, Bitwise Asset Management has taken a big step with its recent ETF filing. The firm has submitted an S-1 form, an official SEC document that provides detailed information about the proposed ETF to launch the first-ever NEAR ETF in the United States. 

This important step was taken on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, highlighting the NEAR Protocol. It is a fast and powerful Blockchain that is trying to become part of the official financial market.

Bitwise Files for NEAR ETF, Backed by Coinbase Custody

Bitwise’s proposal has introduced a spot NEAR ETF, and will be tracking the  CF NEAR- Dollar Settlement Price. This will give investors a clear and regulated way to invest in NEAR, without actually holding the Cryptocurrency.

The ETF will also cover the cost of management. According to the registration papers, Coinbase custody will be safely managing the ETF’s assets.

The NEAR ETF is created to trade through regular brokerages, but the details about their management fees, ticker symbol, and target exchange are still not revealed.

This market is more accessible to everyday investors as well as to institutional investors, particularly to those who want to invest in digital assets without the complexities of Self-Custody or with on-chain activities.

NEAR Price Holds at $2.30 Amid ETF Hype

As of May 7, 2025, even with the news of Bitwise’s NEAR ETF, NEAR token is valued at $2.30 backed with 24 hour trading volume of $164.81 million.

There has been some slight increase in trading activity, according to observers, indicating early investors’ enthusiasm, but the overall market effect is still dependent on future regulations.

Currently, Dozens of spot crypto ETF applications are being reviewed by the SEC, including filings for Litecoin ($91.71), Solana ($146.17), Dogecoin ($0.1722), XRP ($2.13), and Cardano ($0.6767).

NEAR has now become part of this growing list as investors and asset managers can seek greater access to Altcoin through traditional financial systems.

From Ethereum Competitor to ETF Candidate

NEAR protocol has made significant progress since its launch; it has a current market capitalization of $2.73 billion. Once called Ethereum killer, the Blockchain is recognized for solving the scalability, security, and Decentralization through its unique Nightshade sharding technology.

In 2024, NEAR shifted its focus from DeFi to building AI infrastructure, revealing the aim to create the world’s largest open-source large language model. This has added more value to NEAR and might bring a wide range of investors.

Conclusion 

The Filing of the NEAR ETF application is a big step not only for the NEAR protocol but for the whole Altcoin market. This shows that big investors are not just looking beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. If it gets its approval,  Investors will get a safer and easier way to invest in NEAR. Everyone in crypto is watching to see what will be the SEC’s decision.

FAQs

1. What did the crypto asset management firm file recently?

This Thursday, Bitwise presented the first Spot NEAR ETF proposal to the SEC.

2. Who is liable for managing the NEAR ETF’s assets?

Coinbase Custody is liable for managing the NEAR ETF’s assets.

3. Who, according to Bitwise, can invest in the first spot NEAR ETF?

According to Bitwise, both everyday and institutional investors can invest in the NEAR ETF.

4. What was the market response to NEAR’s price after Bitwise’s filing?

The price of NEAR after the filing announcement remained steady at the $2.30 price range.

5. Which other altcoins are yet waiting for SEC approval for spot ETFs?

Cryptocurrencies, including Litecoin, Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, and Cardano, are yet to wait for SEC approval for spot ETFs

Glossary 

S-1 Form: Legal document filed by Bitwise with the SEC to introduce an ETF.

NEAR Protocol: Fast blockchain for decentralized apps.

Coinbase Custody: A Service that securely manages digital assets.

Ticker Symbol: Unique code for a stock or ETF.

Regulated Investment: Investments that are officially controlled by financial authorities.

Sources

Crypto News

Bitcoin World 

Coin Telegraph

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