Bloomberg Analyst Predicts Memecoin ETF To Launch by 2026

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst has projected that a U.S.-listed memecoin-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) could arrive by 2026. According to Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, a wave of actively managed cryptocurrency ETFs is expected in late 2025, which could pave the way for niche products like a memecoin-only ETF the following year.

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Analyst Predicts Memecoin ETF To Launch by 2026

Replying to a post on X, Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas said, “Really good chance this exists at some point,” referring to an actively managed ETF made up only of memecoins. He noted that the upcoming cycle of actively managed crypto ETFs could begin in winter 2025, opening the door for more specialized funds by 2026.

Eric Balchunas added that these types of products could suit active management strategies due to the wide range of performance between different memecoins and the lack of broad financial coverage.

Balchunas added his thoughts on how these ETFs could potentially be laid out. He said it was possible that an actively managed memecoin ETF wouldn’t hold the coins, but use another way to gain exposure to them. Instead, it could trade other ETFs registered under the 1940 Act or 1933 Act that contain memecoins. This method could provide flexibility in how fund managers build their portfolios while following existing regulatory frameworks.

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Regulatory Constraints and Possible Delays

Dave Nadig, an industry expert in ETFs, contributed to the conversation about X as well. According to him, the way such a product is shaped is governed by existing laws and guidelines, so grantor trusts currently cannot be managed and Memecoins would be specifically considered in this manner. Under existing rules by the SEC, which firms are asking to return first-to-file rule for approval, this classification creates restrictions.

However, according to Nadig, the new leadership at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission could lead to swift changes in the rules.

Paul Atkins, now chair of the SEC, is in favor of increasing the ability for people to invest in digital assets. Experts think that a greater openness at the SEC might make it easier for memecoin ETFs to be listed.

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SEC Delays Across Crypto ETF Approvals

The SEC continues to postpone key decisions on a wide range of crypto-related ETFs. Proposals involving Ethereum, Bitcoin, XRP, Solana, Litecoin, and Dogecoin are all facing delays. For example, decisions on staking features for Ethereum ETFs have been pushed to October 2025 including 21Shares.

Similarly, proposed spot Bitcoin ETFs from firms like Valkyrie, WisdomTree, and Invesco are not expected to receive final decisions until the same period.

Grayscale’s XRP ETF, one of the more watched filings, has also seen its deadline pushed back to October 2025 despite approval odds hitting an all time high. Dogecoin, often regarded as the leading memecoin, will likely act as a test case for future memecoin-specific ETF filings. “The Doge 33 Act filing will tell us a lot I think,” said Balchunas, indicating how the US SEC responds to such filings could shape future offerings.

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