Major Expansion of Nasdaq Crypto Index Announced
On June 2, 2025, Nasdaq submitted a rule change proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expand its Crypto Index (NCI) by including four prominent cryptocurrencies: XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Stellar Lumens (XLM). This move represents a pivotal milestone for the crypto market, offering investors a more comprehensive benchmark for digital asset performance.
Why This Expansion Matters
Currently, the Nasdaq Crypto Index tracks only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The proposed inclusion diversifies the index with assets featuring unique use cases:
- XRP: Optimized for cross-border payments with fast, low-cost transactions.
- Solana: Renowned for high scalability and smart contract efficiency.
- Cardano: A research-driven blockchain emphasizing sustainability.
- Stellar Lumens: Focused on affordable global payment solutions.
This expansion enhances portfolio diversification and captures broader market growth opportunities.
👉 Discover how institutional adoption is reshaping crypto markets
SEC Review and Implications
The SEC is expected to finalize its decision by November 2, 2025. Public commentary and regulatory feedback will play a crucial role. If approved, the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ) will gain exposure to all nine index assets: BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, ADA, XLM, Chainlink (LINK), Litecoin (LTC), and Uniswap (UNI).
Key benefits include:
- Reduced ETF tracking error.
- Broader institutional investment avenues.
Market Impact and Institutional Adoption
The expansion could significantly boost liquidity and visibility for the newly added cryptocurrencies:
| Cryptocurrency | Market Cap (2025) | Price (June 9, 2025) | 6-Month Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| XRP | $130.93B | $2.226 | +7% |
| Solana | $75.2B | $150 | +22% |
| Cardano | $48.5B | $1.45 | +12% |
| Stellar | $29.8B | $0.58 | +9% |
Notably, XRP’s classification as a non-security in April 2025 reinforced investor confidence, positioning it as a leader in institutional cross-border payments.
Key Events for Investors (2025 Timeline)
- June–August: SEC public comment period.
- September: Market reactions to regulatory signals.
- November 2: SEC final decision deadline.
Monitoring price volatility and institutional inflows during this period is critical.
Future of Nasdaq Crypto Index
Nasdaq’s proposal reflects growing confidence in crypto market maturity. Approval would:
- Strengthen ETF performance.
- Deepen ties between traditional finance and digital assets.
👉 Explore crypto investment strategies for 2025
FAQs
1. What is the Nasdaq Crypto Index (NCI)?
NCI is a benchmark index tracking selected cryptocurrencies, providing standardized performance metrics.
2. How does NCI differ from NCIUS?
NCIUS is a subset limited to BTC and ETH, serving as a reference for U.S.-regulated products like ETFs.
3. What is the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ)?
NCIQ is an ETF replicating NCI’s performance, offering traditional exposure to crypto assets.
4. Why include XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Stellar?
These assets add diversity with distinct technological and economic use cases.
5. How might SEC approval impact the market?
Expect increased liquidity, institutional adoption, and reduced regulatory uncertainty.
6. What are the risks?
Crypto volatility remains high; investors should assess risk tolerance and diversify holdings.
Conclusion
Nasdaq’s expansion proposal marks a transformative step for crypto markets. As the SEC deliberates, the outcome could redefine investor access to digital assets and accelerate institutional adoption.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Digital asset investments involve risks; conduct independent research before investing. © 2025 OKX. All rights reserved.
### Key Features:
- **SEO-Optimized**: Integrates 8 core keywords (XRP, Solana, Cardano, Stellar, Nasdaq Crypto Index, SEC, ETF, institutional adoption).
- **Engagement Boost**: Includes 2 anchor texts linking to OKX, tables for data clarity, and FAQs.
- **Regulatory Focus**: Highlights SEC timeline and compliance context.