ETF Issuers Must Be Selective as Most Crypto Remains Sketchy, Says REX CEO

The debate over cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) intensifies as more issuers seek approval to expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, according to REX Financial CEO Greg King, issuers must exercise extreme caution when selecting assets for these products, warning that most cryptocurrencies outside the top tier are pretty sketchy.

King argued that the crypto market beyond the top 10 or 20 coins is littered with risky, illiquid, and speculative projects that pose major challenges for ETF providers. For investors, that means issuers need to prioritize transparency, liquidity, and stability over hype or novelty. “There’s some significant picking and choosing that has to happen by issuers,” King noted, adding that he does not expect a broad flood of ETF launches across multiple tokens. Instead, he predicted issuers will focus on creating several fund variations tied to a few established coins.

While Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the cornerstone of crypto investment products, issuers are also exploring more controversial options such as memecoin ETFs, which would track tokens like Dogecoin, Bonk, or Trump-themed coins. These proposals have sparked debate in financial circles, with critics warning that they blur the line between serious investment and speculation. King’s remarks suggest that while demand for such funds may exist, issuers risk damaging credibility by embracing highly speculative tokens.

One cryptocurrency that King sees as having strong long-term potential is Solana. He highlighted Solana’s speed, scalability, and suitability for stablecoins as major advantages over competitors, suggesting it could play a pivotal role in the future of blockchain finance. In his view, Solana’s larger staking rewards also make it an attractive portfolio component, and ETFs built around Solana are likely to grow in popularity.

REX has already positioned itself at the forefront of this trend by launching an ETF tied to Solana and staking returns, a move that has drawn significant investor interest. The product not only tracks the token’s price but also incorporates yield from staking, making it stand out from traditional Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. Early trading volumes suggest a growing appetite for such innovative structures.

On the regulatory front, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has begun to issue formal guidance for crypto ETFs, outlining disclosure and risk-management requirements. This marks a major step toward creating a standardized approval process, potentially shortening timelines and offering issuers more clarity. For firms like REX, the evolving regulatory framework provides both an opportunity and a responsibility: to deliver products that balance investor demand with protection against the inherent risks of the crypto market.

Ultimately, King’s warning underscores the divide within the crypto industry. While a few established assets are gaining institutional legitimacy, the majority remain volatile, untested, and speculative. For ETF issuers, the path forward will require careful vetting, disciplined asset selection, and a focus on long-term credibility rather than short-term hype.