2026-01-13 17:39:56

Market Structure Shift Ahead: Altcoins Could Get Major Regulatory Upgrade

A significant regulatory development is brewing for the crypto market. According to recent policy updates, several major altcoins—XRP, SOL, LTC, HBAR, DOGE, and LINK—could potentially be classified and treated similarly to Bitcoin and Ethereum if they're connected to an Exchange Traded Product (ETP) by January 1, 2026.

What does this mean? This classification change would essentially elevate these assets' regulatory status, potentially opening doors for traditional institutional investment vehicles. The January 1, 2026 deadline marks a critical date for projects eyeing this pathway.

For traders and investors, this represents a watershed moment. The possibility of these six tokens receiving Bitcoin-and-Ethereum-level regulatory treatment could reshape market dynamics, fund flows, and overall market sentiment around alternative cryptocurrencies.

The key mechanism here is the ETP connection—projects need to establish these structured investment products to qualify under the new framework. Whether other altcoins will follow remains to be seen, but this clearly signals a broader institutional embrace of crypto assets beyond just the two largest cryptocurrencies.

XRP5,69%

SOL4,23%

LTC3,17%

HBAR7%

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FlatlineTrader

· 6h ago

Wait, out of these six coins, who can really catch the ETP train? Seems like XRP and SOL are the most stable, DOGE is purely based on luck.

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FlashLoanLord

· 6h ago

Wait, XRP can now stand toe-to-toe with BTC? Things are about to blow up... How will those institutions still clinging on react?

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ImpermanentPhilosopher

· 6h ago

If these six coins can truly receive BTC-level regulatory treatment, institutional funds coming in would be unstoppable... However, the threshold for ETP seems to be cutting leeks from major coins again. What about small coins?

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NFTRegretter

· 6h ago

Wait, does this mean that these six coins will have the same treatment as BTC and ETH next year? Then institutional funds will have to flood in crazily... I'm a bit excited but also a bit scared, after all, regulation has its dual nature.

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