Messari predicts an explosive year for Solana, with a possible ETF launch

Messari predicts an explosive year for Solana, with a possible ETF launch

Messari suggests that the launch of a Solana ETF is becoming more likely, which could cement SOL as one of the most prominent altcoins on the market.

In its recent report, entitled The Crypto Theses 2025Messari stressed that the launch of a Solana-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) seems inevitable next year. 

If this investment fund is approved, Solana could experience a strong year, especially after the recovery it has experienced since the FTX collapse and having raised $173 million in funding during the third quarter of this year. Messari stressed that this is the highest amount Solana has attracted since the 2022 collapse.

US could approve the launch of a Solana ETF in 2025

Messari, a specialist in research and analysis of data related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain, highlights that growing institutional demand and a more favorable regulatory environment in the United States under the new Trump administration are paving the way for Solana to become an even more attractive asset for traditional investors. 

To date, several fund management firms have filed applications with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the potential launch of a SOL spot ETF. While these filings, including those from VanEck and Grayscale Investments, have not received a response, Messari believes that they could be approved next year, which would mark a significant new milestone for both Solana and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. 

“A Solana spot ETF launching in the next year or two seems inevitable, and a more laissez-faire regulatory landscape may create the perfect storm for an explosive second leg in the Solana narrative, driven by pent-up institutional interest.”, notes the Messari report.

In an interview this year, Mathew Sigel, head of digital assets at VanEck, stated that the odds of a Solana ETF receiving regulatory approval in 2025 are "overwhelmingly high"These statements reflect the growing confidence of fund managers that the US regulatory environment will change and the crypto market will prosper. 

In line with the above, Messari stressed that since Trump's election victory, “a wave of SOL spot ETF filings by VanEck, Bitwise and 21Shares indicated a growing demand for SOL asset ETFs.”

What will drive SOL growth in 2025?

Based on the success that Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have had in the US market, and the undeniable positive impact that these launches have had on the price of these cryptocurrencies, respectively, Messari believes that the Possible approval of an exchange-traded fund for Solana will place its native cryptocurrency, SOL, in “an exclusive club” alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

“If this trend continues, investors are likely to seek exposure to ‘tech plays’ in the space, with Solana emerging as the fastest horse,” the research firm said, highlighting the interest investors are showing in non-Bitcoin related financial products.

But, in addition to the possibility of a SOL spot ETF, the firm also indicated that innovative projects, such as MetaDAO and Rome Protocol, have played a crucial role in the development and could be catalysts for further growth next year. 

MetaDAO is a project that seeks to create a decentralized infrastructure that allows users to actively participate in governance and decision-making within the ecosystem. On the other hand, Rome Protocol is designed to facilitate faster and cheaper transactions, improving the experience within the network. 

Likewise, Messari highlighted the success that memecoins have had this 2024. In addition to the ultra-fast performance and low transaction costs that Solana offered its users during high activity loads throughout this year, thethe culture of memecoins It sparked a thriving new industry that highlighted the inherent advantages of the network.

DePIN apps and AI-powered projects

The arrival of DePIN applications, short for decentralized physical infrastructure networks, is expanding the possibilities for Solana beyond the financial realm. Messari said these applications allow for more resilient and efficient networks, using blockchain technology to manage physical resources such as energy and logistics. The firm also mentioned the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into projects within the Solana ecosystem, which could signal a new era of innovation. 

While Messari said these solutions are exposing Solana’s growing presence in areas beyond finance, they are still in the early stages of development, so their potential impact on the network’s growth is uncertain. Still, experts are confident that combining blockchain with AI can lead to smarter and more efficient solutions across a range of industries, positioning blockchains that innovate in this sector as key players in a new technological paradigm.

In conclusion, Messari’s report paints an encouraging picture for Solana in 2025. With an ETF launch becoming more likely for SOL, a robust ecosystem supported by innovative projects, and the integration of emerging technologies, the network is positioned to continue expanding its influence in the crypto space.