VanEck files S-1 application to launch spot AVAX ETF

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VanEck has submitted an S-1 registration statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed Avalanche exchange-traded fund (ETF), aiming to provide investors with direct exposure to AVAX.

According to the filing, the VanEck Avalanche ETF will hold AVAX directly and value its shares based on the MarketVector Avalanche Benchmark Rate, which aggregates pricing data from the five largest trading platforms, as determined by CCData’s exchange benchmark report.

This filing follows VanEck’s recent registration of the Avalanche ETF in Delaware, signaling the firm’s intent to expand its lineup of crypto investment products.

VanEck has yet to disclose the ETF’s ticker symbol.

Altcoin ETFs gain momentum

The move comes as asset managers push for ETFs linked to cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Since the SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in January and recently gave the green light to Ethereum-based products, firms have been exploring the potential for ETFs backed by alternative digital assets.

Bloomberg ETF analysts have provided approval odds for various altcoin-based ETFs, estimating a 90% chance for Litecoin, while XRP and Solana face lower probabilities.

Avalanche’s track record, including its use in financial innovations like Franklin Templeton’s tokenized fund, could support its case for approval.

Regulatory climate

The SEC has historically approached crypto ETFs with caution, citing concerns over market manipulation and investor protection.

However, shifting regulatory attitudes under President Donald Trump’s administration and the establishment of a Crypto Task Force have raised expectations for a more open stance toward digital asset products.

While the SEC’s response to VanEck’s Avalanche ETF remains uncertain, analysts view the firm’s application as a test case for broader adoption of altcoin ETFs.

If approved, it could open the door for additional blockchain-based investment vehicles and further integrate cryptocurrencies into traditional finance.