Nikolas Sargeant
Investment firms REX Shares and Osprey Funds are positioning to bring the first exchange-traded fund offering direct exposure to Dogecoin to U.S. markets as early as next week, according to industry analysts. The partnership filed a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday for the REX-Osprey DOGE ETF, which would trade under the ticker symbol $DOJE.
The proposed ETF utilizes the faster 40 Act structure, which could help avoid the regulatory delays and hurdles typically associated with traditional crypto ETF applications. This regulatory pathway mirrors the approach REX-Osprey successfully employed when they received SEC approval for their groundbreaking Solana and Ethereum staking ETFs, demonstrating the partnership's proven ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency investment products.
The partnership's track record with innovative crypto ETFs provides significant credibility for their Dogecoin venture. REX-Osprey previously overcame regulatory hurdles to launch the first-ever staking ETFs in the U.S., after the SEC initially raised concerns about whether these products would qualify as traditional ETFs due to their unique staking structures. Their successful resolution of these regulatory concerns through updated filings and prospectus amendments showcases their expertise in bringing cutting-edge crypto investment products to market within existing regulatory frameworks.
Market reaction has been notably positive, with Dogecoin climbing 116% over the past year, though the memecoin remains below its December 2024 peaks. The timing appears strategic, as institutional interest in cryptocurrency ETFs continues to grow following successful launches of Bitcoin and Ethereum products. The SEC is currently reviewing 92 crypto ETF applications, with decisions expected by October.
While REX-Osprey has teased the launch through social media channels, the final approval still rests with regulators and exchange listing requirements. The January 21 filing represents a subject-to-completion prospectus, meaning the SEC must allow the registration to go effective and an exchange must accept the listing before the ETF can begin trading. If approved, the product would mark a significant milestone in bringing mainstream investment access to Dogecoin, the popular meme-inspired cryptocurrency.
