SEC Postpones Grayscale’s Hedera ETF Decision Again, Extending Crypto Market Uncertainty

SEC Postpones Grayscale’s Hedera ETF Decision Again, Extending Crypto Market Uncertainty

Regulators push Hedera ETF review into June 2025, rattling investor confidence in digital asset markets

Another Delay for Grayscale’s Hedera ETF Amid Regulatory Stalemate

In a move that has become all too familiar to crypto investors, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again delayed its decision on the approval of Grayscale’s proposed Hedera (HBAR) spot ETF. The decision, now expected no earlier than June 2025, casts a long shadow over ongoing efforts to bring more regulated crypto investment vehicles to U.S. markets.

The Hedera ETF is not alone. Pending ETF applications tied to Polkadot, Bitcoin, and Ethereum also remain in limbo, as regulatory hesitation stalls broader adoption of these digital assets.

Rule 34-102923 and the Nasdaq Filing: Another Extension on the Clock

According to SEC document 34-102923, the delay stems from further procedural evaluations by the agency. While delays of this nature have precedent, especially for crypto-related ETFs, industry optimism had been building following the landmark approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024.

This latest deferral challenges that momentum, raising questions about how quickly regulators are willing to expand access to other blockchain ecosystems such as Hedera Hashgraph.

Volatility and Strategy: Crypto Industry Braces for Prolonged Regulatory Lag

With the SEC dragging its feet, market players are recalibrating strategies. Grayscale and Canary, two major players behind these ETF filings, may be forced to revise timelines and investor messaging. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that while such delays were expected, they still feed into a wider narrative of regulatory uncertainty that chills institutional enthusiasm.

For investors, the implications are significant. ETF delays often result in short-term volatility, but they can also fuel longer-term resilience and innovation as blockchain projects seek alternative paths to adoption.

Hedera’s Market Snapshot: Volumes Dip, Prices Slide

According to CoinMarketCap, Hedera (HBAR) is currently trading at $0.19, with a market capitalization of $7.88 billion. In the last 24 hours, trading volume has dropped by 41.26%, reflecting a cooling investor sentiment following the ETF delay.

Looking at the bigger picture, HBAR prices have dropped 39.66% over the past 90 days, further emphasizing how regulatory inertia is weighing on price action.

What Comes Next? Investors Watch June Closely

If past patterns hold, June may not be the final word. The SEC has shown a tendency to extend review periods repeatedly, especially in cases involving newer or less established crypto assets.

Still, Hedera remains one of the more institutionally-aligned blockchain platforms, and interest from firms like Grayscale signals continued belief in its long-term utility—provided regulators eventually give the green light.