Shiba Inu (SHIB) has experienced a significant milestone as the project’s flagship token has been added to the FTSE Grayscale Crypto Sectors Framework, marking a major step towards increased global recognition and credibility. The update was shared by Lucie, the project’s marketing lead, who revealed that SHIB now falls under the ‘Consumer & Culture’ category alongside other cryptocurrencies with strong ties to entertainment and online communities like ImmutableX, Decentraland, and ApeCoin. This move reflects SHIB’s enduring popularity and commitment to community-driven innovation. Expanding Institutional Recognition The FTSE Grayscale Crypto Sectors Framework, introduced in 2023, categorizes digital assets beyond the traditional large-cap cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. It divides assets into five distinct segments: Financials, Smart Contract Platforms, Currencies, Utilities & Services, and Consumer & Culture. This latest inclusion puts SHIB on par with other popular crypto projects that intersect with consumer culture. New ETF Potential Beyond classification, this recognition carries significant weight as it signifies potential for spot exchange-traded products (ETPs). According to Grayscale’s analysis, Shiba Inu is among the digital assets meeting SEC’s Generic Listing Standards (GLS), a regulatory guideline enabling certain crypto ETP listing without individual SEC approval. Notably, SHIB aligns with other cryptocurrencies that meet these standards in the ‘Consumer & Culture’ category and those categorized under the Financials, Smart Contract Platforms, Currencies, Utilities & Services, and lastly, the ‘Utilities & Services’ sectors. SHIB ETF: Uncertain Future While this recognition signals a strong future for SHIB and its applications within the broader market, it remains uncertain whether Grayscale will proceed with an official application for a standalone Shiba Inu spot ETF in the U.S. market. The token’s inclusion in the framework does highlight growing institutional interest in SHIB, particularly after T. Rowe Price mentioned its potential as a component of its Active Crypto ETF product lineup. **Outside the US Market:** However, Shiba Inu has already gained traction within traditional finance through Valour Inc., a European investment firm, launching a SEK-denominated ETP tracking SHIB’s performance. Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with financial professionals before making any investment decisions.**