BlackRock executive outlines three key principles of the company's approach to Solana ETF
BlackRock assesses Solana ETF viability amid regulatory uncertainty.
BlackRock is carefully evaluating the launch of a Solana ETF based on three core principles, and its focus remains squarely on meeting client needs, defining a clear investment thesis, and ensuring the asset’s suitability for ETF packaging.
The firm is navigating a challenging regulatory landscape, as uncertainty over whether the SEC will classify SOL as a security could derail the approval process, reports Cryptopolitan.
Guiding Principles for Innovation
Rachel Aguirre, Head of U.S. iShares Products at BlackRock, explained that the company’s approach to a Solana ETF centers on three key pillars: addressing client requirements, clarifying the investment rationale, and evaluating liquidity and transparency to support active management.
Aguirre emphasized that these principles are applied uniformly across all investment strategies—whether for active management or for the use of derivatives—ensuring that the ETF structure aligns with a robust investment thesis. This measured approach reflects BlackRock’s commitment to delivering products that truly meet the evolving needs of investors in a rapidly shifting market.
Regulatory Uncertainty and Market Perspectives
Despite strong internal principles, regulatory challenges loom large. Samara Cohen, BlackRock’s CIO for ETF and Index Investments, has previously expressed reservations about launching a Solana ETF due to technical challenges, liquidity concerns, and fears of market manipulation.
Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas have rated the approval odds at 70%, warning that if the SEC deems SOL a security, the application process could be significantly disrupted. Recent applications by other ETF providers such as VanEck, 21Shares, Bitwise, and Canary Capital have been rejected by the SEC, highlighting the stringent regulatory environment.
However, optimistic ETF watchers like Canary Capital’s Steven McClurg and ETF Store President Nate Geraci project that regulatory approval for Solana ETFs could come by the end of 2025, suggesting that market demand and robust product design may eventually overcome current hurdles.
Recently we wrote, that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has increased its stake in Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) to 5%.
