Hedera and Dogecoin ETFs Move Closer to Reality as Major Exchanges File with the SEC

​A slew of major U.S. exchanges have filed applications to list exchange-traded funds (ETFs) featuring digital assets such as Hedera (HBAR) and Dogecoin (DOGE) in a high move that hints at the rising presence of cryptocurrencies in the world of traditional finance. These additions represent a homecoming for both cryptocurrencies, giving investors regulated means to gain exposure to these digital assets without the headaches of directly owning thousands of cyber tokens. ​

Nasdaq’s Initiative: Grayscale Hedera ETF

On March 3, 2025, Nasdaq filed a 19b-4 form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list and trade shares of the Grayscale Hedera Trust. This is now Grayscale’s sixth ETFs probe for an altcoin-focused fund, demonstrating the firm’s determination to expand cryptocurrency investment choices. The Grayscale Hedera ETF will similarly seek to track the performance of HBAR, the native token of the Hedera network, allowing investors a direct way to gain exposure to the next-level platform.

Hedera stands out through its use of the Hashgraph consensus algorithm, as opposed to traditional blockchain technology. Transaction speeds and costs are improved with this design, thus attracting those enterprises who look for efficient decentralized solutions. This filing has been acknowledged by the SEC, which begins a reviewal process that usually takes around 45 days for the commission to assess the ETF’s fit with the regulatory standards.

NYSE Arca’s Proposal: Bitwise Dogecoin ETF

In a parallel development, NYSE Arca submitted a proposed rule change to list and trade shares of the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF. It is intended for those seeking direct exposure to Danecoin, after it transitioned from a meme to a powerful crypto. Should it get the green light, the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF would expose investors to DOGE without having to manage private keys or contend with cryptocurrency exchanges.

The transformation of Dogecoin from a token satirizing cryptocurrency to becoming one of the biggest cryptocurrencies in terms of market cap speaks volumes about the changing landscape of the crypto space. The fact that it was included in a proposed ETFs is another sign of increased institutional interest and the mainstreaming of once-niche, speculative digital assets. ​

Market Reactions and Price Movements

The announcements of these ETF filings have had notable impacts on the prices of HBAR and DOGE. Following the news, Hedera’s price experienced a surge, reflecting increased investor optimism. Similarly, Dogecoin saw a price jump, although it faced subsequent volatility, a common characteristic in the cryptocurrency market.

Hedera and Dogecoin’s Current Price Overview

As of March 5, 2025, the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant movements. Below is a table summarizing the current prices and market capitalizations of selected cryptocurrencies:​

Data sourced from CoinMarketCap and GoldPrice.org as of March 5, 2025.

Implications for the Crypto ETF Landscape

The ETF applications for Hedera and Dogecoin are part of a more general movement by asset managers to offer regulated investment products linked to a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. This shift indicates an increased appetite for regulated crypto investment products from both retail and institutional clientele. ​

What the SEC decides on these applications will be key. This step could set a new surge of crypto ETFs in motion, which would expand beyond the number of them focused on altcoins to new types of digital assets that could reach traditional financial markets. On the other hand, if there are delays or denials, this might lead to more discussions about the rules around crypto investments. ​

Conclusion on ETFs

Nasdaq and NYSE Arca’s efforts to list ETFs for Hedera and Dogecoin represent a significant step in crypto’s path toward traditional finance. Not only do these developments supply investors with additional tools to use at their disposal, but they also exemplify the evolving landscape of the financial markets as they continue to accommodate new digital assets. While awaiting SEC consideration of these proposals, the findings could help shape the future path of crypto adoption and regulation.

FAQs

What is an ETF?

An Exhange-Traded Fund (ETF) is an investment fund that is traded on stock exchange like a regular stock and typically tracks a specific index, commodity, or asset. ​

How does a cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund work?

The cryptocurrency ETF gives investors exposure to digital assets without actually having to buy them. Instead, they invest in a fund that owns the cryptocurrency, simplifying the process and often giving the investment regulatory oversight. ​

Why Invest in a Crypto ETF?

Beyond this, a crypto ETF would combine advantages of regulatory oversight and a traditional brokerage account, so investors do not have to deal with setting up a digital wallet or managing private keys. ​

What are the risks of crypto ETFs?

These include the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies, potential regulatory changes, and the performance of the underlying assets, which can cause the ETF’s value to fluctuate significantly.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Cryptocurrency: A digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central authority.​

• Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF): An investment fund traded on stock exchanges, designed to track the performance of a specific asset or group of assets.​

• Hedera (HBAR): The native cryptocurrency of the Hedera network, known for its Hashgraph consensus algorithm offering fast and secure transactions.​

• Dogecoin (DOGE): A cryptocurrency that started as a meme but has grown into a significant digital asset with a large market capitalization.​

• SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): The U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing federal securities laws and regulating the securities industry

Sources

​etf.com

coinmarketcap.com

​cointelegraph.com