Another surge in interest around Dogecoin may be on the horizon, as Bitwise Asset Management inches closer to launching a Dogecoin-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). A recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suggests that the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF could become available to investors as early as November.
The latest development comes after Bitwise made a key update to its S-1 registration form, which was submitted to the SEC. The company removed a “delaying amendment” — a provision that would have postponed the ETF’s approval. Now, if the SEC chooses not to respond or raise objections within a 20-day window, the registration will automatically go into effect, allowing the ETF to launch on the market.
This move positions Bitwise to potentially offer the second Dogecoin ETF in the United States. The first, launched by Rex Shares and Osprey Funds under the ticker symbol DOJE, debuted in September and has since recorded $17 million in trading volume. Bitwise’s entry into the DOGE ETF space could further validate meme-based cryptocurrencies as viable investment vehicles, especially for retail investors seeking diversified exposure through regulated investment instruments.
Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that began as an internet joke, continues to defy expectations. Recently, the coin saw a price increase of over 13%, reflecting renewed investor interest and speculation. While DOGE has often been dismissed as a novelty, its community-driven growth, celebrity endorsements, and increasing inclusion in mainstream financial products suggest a more nuanced narrative.
Bitwise’s strategy appears to capitalize on this evolving perception. By targeting a coin with both mass appeal and significant trading volume, the asset manager is tapping into a market segment that’s often overlooked by traditional finance. Moreover, the launch of a Dogecoin ETF reflects a broader trend: the growing convergence of crypto and traditional financial products.
The SEC’s pending decision will be closely watched, not just by crypto enthusiasts, but also by institutional investors who may see the ETF as a low-barrier entry point into the crypto ecosystem. ETFs offer several advantages, including liquidity, tax efficiency, and accessibility through standard brokerage accounts, making them attractive even to those unfamiliar with crypto wallets or decentralized exchanges.
In the broader ETF landscape, the push for crypto-based funds has intensified. Over 90 fund applications, spanning both crypto-native companies and legacy financial institutions, are currently under review by the SEC. These include products tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and now, increasingly, to alternative coins like Dogecoin and Solana.
The growing appetite for crypto ETFs is also being driven by market demand. As digital assets become more deeply embedded in public consciousness, investors are looking for regulated, transparent ways to gain exposure without directly purchasing and storing volatile tokens. ETFs provide a familiar structure while mitigating some of the technical and security challenges inherent in crypto investing.
Bitwise, known for its crypto index funds and educational content, has long been at the forefront of this transition. The firm’s focus on transparency and regulatory compliance could give it a competitive edge as the market matures and institutional scrutiny increases.
If approved, the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF would join a small but growing list of crypto-themed ETFs that aim to bridge the gap between decentralized technologies and conventional finance. It would also provide a new tool for investors seeking to benefit from the performance of meme coins without navigating the complexities of unregulated crypto exchanges.
In addition to expanding investor options, the launch of such ETFs could influence the broader crypto market in several ways. First, it could drive increased liquidity to DOGE, as institutional and retail investors alike gain easier access. Second, it may lend legitimacy to meme coins, encouraging more rigorous analysis and potentially attracting developer activity to the network. Lastly, it could signal to regulators that investor demand for structured, transparent crypto products is real and growing.
Looking forward, the success or failure of this ETF could serve as a case study for future altcoin ETFs. Should the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF attract significant assets and trading volume, it may pave the way for similar products tied to other non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies, such as Shiba Inu (SHIB), Avalanche (AVAX), or even newer meme tokens making waves in the market.
For now, all eyes are on the SEC. If the commission allows the filing to proceed without objection, investors may soon find themselves with yet another way to ride the Dogecoin wave—this time, through a regulated and widely accessible investment vehicle.