Zach Pandl, head of analysis at Grayscale Investments, believes Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may quickly rival the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum funding merchandise.
He expects that inside one to 2 years, about 5% of all Solana tokens may very well be held in regulated exchange-traded buildings, a share price over $5 billion at at present’s costs.
Pandl made this prediction following the launch of Grayscale Solana ETF (GSOL) and Bitwise Solana ETF (BSOL) this week. Each merchandise mark a brand new chapter for the fast-growing market of crypto-based funding autos.
Robust Debut for New Solana ETFs
Bitwise’s BSOL started buying and selling on Tuesday, drawing $129 million in inflows inside its first two days, based on Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.
Grayscale’s GSOL, which launched the subsequent day, recorded $4 million on its first buying and selling day.
Regardless of being a day behind, analysts described GSOL’s early efficiency as sturdy, given the more and more crowded market. Pandl mentioned Grayscale expects Solana ETFs to turn out to be multi-billion-dollar companies as investor curiosity broadens.
Grayscale $4m seems to be like on Day One. Wholesome however obv in need of BSOL. Being simply at some point behind is definitely actually enormous. Makes it a lot tougher.
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) October 29, 2025
From Area of interest to Mainstream: Crypto ETFs Acquire Floor
Alternate-traded merchandise (ETPs) permit buyers to acquire cryptocurrency publicity via conventional brokerage and retirement accounts. This construction allows participation within the asset class with out requiring direct possession of digital tokens.
In keeping with the Funding Firm Institute, U.S.-listed ETFs held over $10 trillion in property by the top of 2024, accounting for 26% of all managed property.
Crypto ETFs symbolize solely a small fraction of this complete, however their development has been speedy. Bitcoin ETPs presently handle $149 billion, whereas Ethereum merchandise maintain $26 billion, throughout roughly 20 funds.
Regulation Stays a Concern
Not all monetary establishments share Grayscale’s optimism. Earlier this week, Charles Schwab warned that crypto stays frivolously regulated, even because the U.S. Securities and Alternate Fee (SEC) continues to approve new ETPs.
“The SEC’s hands-off stance means larger threat for buyers,” the agency mentioned, noting that the crypto sector lacks the oversight utilized to equities and bonds.
GSOL Evolution: From Belief to ETF
Grayscale’s Solana product, GSOL, initially launched as a non-public belief in 2021, holding round $100 million in Solana tokens.
Its conversion to an ETF this week makes the fund extra versatile, permitting it to commerce nearer to the precise worth of its holdings. The shift eliminates the big premiums and reductions typically seen in closed-end crypto trusts.
Pandl mentioned the conversion opens entry to a broader vary of buyers whereas bettering liquidity and pricing transparency.
Competitors and Diversification Forward
Solana’s debut comes as Hedera and Litecoin ETFs additionally enter the market, although their inflows stay modest. Greater than a dozen extra crypto-based funds are anticipated to hunt approval quickly.
Pandl expects investor curiosity to steadily shift towards diversified crypto ETPs, which give publicity to a number of tokens concurrently.
“Many buyers will favor easier, diversified choices that cut back the complexity of evaluating every token,” he mentioned.
Staking Provides a New Supply of Yield
In contrast to Bitcoin ETFs, Solana funding merchandise can supply staking rewards, a characteristic distinctive to proof-of-stake networks. By locking Solana tokens to assist safe the blockchain, buyers can earn an estimated annual yield of 5.7%, based on Solana Compass.
Pandl confirmed that GSOL will distribute 77% of staking rewards to its holders, calling it “a recreation changer for crypto demand.” He described staking as a brand new revenue stream that might assist buyers diversify portfolio returns.
Distinct Roles for Solana and Ethereum
Pandl mentioned Solana and Ethereum will possible develop distinct roles within the digital asset ecosystem, regardless of each being sensible contract platforms. He pointed to rising adoption of stablecoins and tokenized property as key drivers of institutional curiosity.
“They differ in design, and that provides every blockchain its personal lane,” Pandl defined. “Traders can profit from holding each as a part of a balanced crypto technique.”
DisClamier: This content material is informational and shouldn’t be thought-about monetary recommendation. The views expressed on this article could embody the writer’s private opinions and don’t mirror The Crypto Fundamental opinion. Readers are inspired to do thorough analysis earlier than making any funding choices. The Crypto Fundamental is just not accountable for any monetary losses.