The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed decisions on several proposed cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, potentially pushing approvals into the fourth quarter of 2023. This delay has added uncertainty for institutions already showing significant interest in cryptocurrencies. James Seyffart, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, reports that SEC’s standard review processes for these complex applications are often lengthy, and recent delays have affected major assets like XRP and Bitcoin. While the SEC aims to gather public feedback on proposed rule changes impacting crypto ETFs, their decision-making process has been impacted by this delay. CoinShares and Fidelity, two prominent financial institutions, face possible postponements for their respective Litecoin and Bitcoin ETF applications. The SEC is expected to continue with these delays until the fourth quarter of 2023, potentially impacting institutional adoption. Nate Geraci, President of ETF Store Inc., remains optimistic that approvals will eventually be granted, but this uncertainty highlights a cautious approach by the SEC. While expert opinions suggest current regulatory approaches may hinder immediate market expansion, long-term growth prospects for cryptocurrencies remain positive.