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Wall street embraces meme coin et fs: what's next?

Wall Street Embraces Meme Coins | Will PEPE and BONK Join DOGE?

By

Maximillian Brown

Sep 21, 2025, 04:59 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A visual representation showing DOGE alongside PEPE and BONK coins with a Wall Street background, indicating a shift in meme coin investments.

A significant move for meme coins has been made with the approval of the DOGE spot ETF, sparking conversations among investors about potential future ETFs for other coins like PEPE and BONK. As interest grows, the market watches closely for regulatory responses.

Context and Implications

Earlier this month, the SEC approved new rules that could increase the number of cryptocurrency spot ETFs available. This shift is monumental for what many deem speculative tokens.

Community interest is clear: PEPE and BONK are seeing increased trading volumes following the DOGE ETF news. As one enthusiastic commenter put it, "If DOGE already made it, I wouldn’t be surprised if PEPE or BONK are next."

ETF Filings: The Next Steps

Interestingly, there's even a filing for a $TRUMP meme-coin ETF, showing that issuers are exploring beyond the conventional coins. However, there are significant hurdles:

  • Regulatory approval delays: Smaller, more volatile tokens face longer, uncertain approval timelines.

  • Market stability: Only liquid coins with broad trading activity are likely to catch the SEC's eye.

  • Community backing: Though PEPE and BONK have vibrant communities, they still need to meet strict institutional criteria.

Participant Opinions

The community is buzzing with speculation:

"There are big ifs ahead, but the interest in meme culture is undeniable."

People appear optimistic about the timeline for these coins, with guesses leaning toward a possible PEPE ETF by late 2025. Others speculate that BONK could see ETF treatment as early as 2026. Conversations on user boards reflect a mix of excitement and caution, noting the risks of volatility that might deter issuers.

What Are People Saying?

Various comments reveal strong sentiments:

  • "Meme coins have crazy volume + community power; regulations just need to catch up!"

  • "Bro casually left out PENGU ETF."

  • πŸ”· Analysts hint at rising interest in newer meme ETFs.

  • πŸ”Ά "This could be a game changer in crypto filing culture!" - Comment amid discussions.

  • πŸ”· Regulatory action remains the wild card as institutions explore options.

The ongoing evolution of cryptocurrency ETFs indicates a path forward for meme coins. Only time will tell whether these speculative coins will find their way into mainstream finance.

The Road Ahead for Meme Coin ETFs

There’s a strong likelihood that PEPE could see ETF approval by late 2025, driven by its growing popularity and vibrant community. Analysts estimate around a 60% chance for this timeline, as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve. On the other hand, BONK might take longer, with speculation pointing towards a potential ETF launch in 2026, boasting about a 40% probability. These estimates hinge on factors like regulatory responsiveness and market stability. Should interest grow sustainably, we could witness a shift where meme coins gain legitimacy in financial markets, further changing the landscape of crypto investments.

A Surprising Historical Echo

This situation draws a unique parallel to the era of tech startups in the 1990s. Just as the internet was beginning to gain traction, niche business models emerged, capturing public fascination. Some faced significant regulatory hurdles that delayed their growth, while others, buoyed by community backing, surged ahead and transformed industries. Much like how certain tech stocks later became household names, the success of meme coin ETFs could redefine the crypto space. Investing in these speculative tokens now may bear resemblance to those early daysβ€”promising yet fraught with uncertaintyβ€”inviting both trepidation and excitement.