US Government Reopening Could Unlock Wave of Crypto ETFs in 2026, Analyst Says
Analysts say a US government reopening could be the catalyst that turns 2026 into a busy year for crypto exchange-traded funds, as regulatory bodies regain staff capacity and court-driven pauses evaporate. With agencies able to resume normal review cycles, asset managers could refile or push forward pending ETF applications, bringing fresh product flow to a market that has been waiting for clearer signals.
The potential uptick in ETF approvals matters because ETFs are a familiar on-ramp for institutional and retail investors, offering custody, liquidity and easier portfolio allocation to digital assets. While approvals would likely boost flows and price discovery, observers caution that regulatory uncertainty and market structure issues remain risks to watch—investors should monitor SEC notices, filing activity and any accompanying rule changes as the government returns to full operation.