Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin, stated in a recent interview that he anticipates the launch of Litecoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) very soon. This ideology is based on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of generic listing standards for cryptocurrency ETFs and Litecoin’s inclusion among 10 assets that meet the criteria.
This expectation comes as multiple issuers have submitted filings for spot LTC ETFs, with decisions pending in the coming weeks, potentially marking a step forward for Litecoin’s integration into traditional financial markets.
Charlie Lee’s Statement on Litecoin ETFs
In an interview aired on Fintech TV’s “Market Movers” program on September 23, 2025, Charlie Lee discussed Litecoin’s prospects in the context of evolving regulatory frameworks. The 42-second video clip, shared on X by user @real_cryptowolf, captures Lee expressing confidence in the imminent launch of LTC ETFs.
He cited the SEC’s recent approvals for generic crypto ETF listings as a key factor, noting that Litecoin meets the criteria for expedited approval. Lee, who serves as a seed capital investor in one of the proposed ETFs, has previously indicated that approval may happen “very soon,” drawing parallels to the successful launches of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs earlier in the year.
“I expect to see Litecoin ETFs launching very soon, actually, which will give people a good way to have passive exposure of Litecoin,” Lee stated.
Lee’s statement highlights his ongoing advocacy for Litecoin’s role in decentralized finance, emphasizing its proof-of-work consensus mechanism, which is similar to Bitcoin’s. Litecoin, often described as digital silver to Bitcoin’s digital gold, features a fixed supply cap and focuses on faster transaction times, which are key strengths for ETF eligibility.
SEC’s Generic Listing Standards and Litecoin’s Position
On September 17, 2025, the SEC approved new generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares, including those tied to digital assets. These standards enable streamlined approvals without individual reviews, provided the underlying asset has futures trading on a regulated exchange, such as Coinbase Derivatives, for at least six months or meets specific exposure thresholds.
Litecoin is one of 10 assets identified as qualifying for this expedited process, alongside Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Solana, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche, Shiba Inu, Polkadot, and Hedera. This classification stems from Litecoin’s established futures market and its decentralized structure, which reduces concerns over market manipulation. SEC Chair Paul Atkins commented that the changes aim to promote innovation and provide investors with more options in the digital asset space.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that these standards could result in more than 100 cryptocurrency ETFs launching within the next 12 months, with Litecoin benefiting from its proof-of-work model and long-term market presence. Further, the asset’s similarities to Bitcoin position it favorably in the approval queue.
Key Filings for LTC Spot ETFs
Several asset managers have filed applications for spot Litecoin ETFs, with timelines indicating possible approvals in the near term. Canary Capital submitted a filing for a spot LTC ETF, listing Charlie Lee as a seed investor, and anticipates a final SEC decision by October 2, 2025. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted a recent prospectus update for this filing, suggesting progress toward approval.
Grayscale Investments filed an S-3 form to convert its Litecoin trust into an ETF, following previous delays, with a potential ruling extension to October 2025. Additionally, Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund, which includes exposure to Litecoin, received approval under the new generic standards.
Tuttle Capital filed for a “Litecoin Income Blast” ETF designed to track Litecoin’s daily performance. Elsewhere, Hashdex’s multi-asset ETF, which incorporates Litecoin, has already been approved, potentially facilitating standalone LTC products.
Balchunas, back in February, estimated a 90% chance of LTC ETF approvals by the end of 2025, provided that issuers have met the SEC’s requirements, including surveillance-sharing agreements. Over 20 ETF filings for various cryptocurrencies are pending, creating competition but also normalizing digital asset products.
Conclusion
Charlie Lee’s anticipation of imminent Litecoin ETF launches underscores a regulatory shift toward broader cryptocurrency integration. Supported by recent filings and the SEC’s actions, this development reflects Litecoin’s proof-of-work reliability and decentralized attributes as key to ETF viability.
Investors should closely monitor upcoming SEC rulings, as these could define access to digital assets like Litecoin through traditional channels. The progression of such ETFs affirms the maturing framework for cryptocurrency in regulated markets, where established protocols meet institutional demands with precision and oversight.
Sources:
- SEC Paves the way for Crypto Spot ETFs with new listing Rules: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/sec-paves-way-crypto-spot-etfs-with-new-listing-rules-2025-09-18/
- SEC Approves Generic Listing Standards for Commodity-Based Trust Shares: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-121-sec-approves-generic-listing-standards-commodity-based-trust-shares
- Grayscale SEC Filings: https://www.theblock.co/post/370107/grayscale-submits-litany-of-sec-filings-for-bitcoin-cash-hedera-and-litecoin-etf-proposals
- Hashdex multi-asset Crypto ETF: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/03/17/hashdex-seeks-to-expand-u-s-crypto-etf-to-include-litecoin-xrp-and-other-altcoins
