US Government Shutdown Stalls Crypto ETF Approvals, Leaving Market in Limbo

The US federal government has entered its third week of shutdown, freezing progress on dozens of pending ETF applications, including 16 crypto-related proposals awaiting approval from the SEC. With no resolution in sight, analysts warn that the shutdown could delay one of the most anticipated waves of crypto ETF launches in years.

The deadlock began on October 1, after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a government funding bill. As a result, most federal agencies, including the SEC, are operating with only essential staff, effectively halting new approvals and regulatory reviews.

The SEC had been expected to issue final rulings on at least 16 crypto ETF filings this month, while another 21 new applications were submitted within the first eight days of October. Now, all of them remain in limbo as deadlines pass without action.

No End in Sight for the Political Standoff

There is currently no clear timeline for ending the shutdown, with both parties entrenched in competing demands. Republicans are pushing to reduce federal spending in an effort to slow the growth of the $37.8 trillion national debt, equivalent to about $111,000 per person, while increasing funding for border enforcement. 

On the other hand, Democrats oppose cuts to healthcare and seek to extend tax credits that make health insurance more affordable.

The Senate is not expected to hold votes until Tuesday, and the House of Representatives remains out of session, leaving no immediate path to restore government operations. To end the shutdown, both chambers must pass funding legislation before President Donald Trump can sign it into law.

This marks the 11th government shutdown in US history and the first since the 35-day standoff between December 2018 and January 2019 — still the longest on record.

Crypto Industry Awaits ETF Breakthrough

The timing of the shutdown is particularly disruptive for the crypto sector, which had been expecting a major regulatory milestone this month. Analysts had projected that SEC approval of multiple spot crypto ETF filings could unleash a wave of institutional investment and fuel a new altcoin season.

ETF analyst Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, commented on X that “once the government shutdown ends, spot crypto ETF floodgates open,” predicting a wave of approvals. “Ironic that growing fiscal debt and usual political theater are holding these up — exactly what crypto is designed to challenge,” he added.

Until the shutdown ends, however, the crypto market remains on pause — waiting for Washington to get back to work.