The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new guidelines aimed at accelerating the approval process for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move comes in response to a backlog of over 900 pending registration filings caused by a recent government shutdown. The SEC's guidance, issued on September 17, 2025, includes technical instructions for issuers under Section 8(a) and Rule 461 of the 1933 Securities Act. A significant change is the approval of universal listing standards for commodity trust shares on major exchanges like Nasdaq, Cboe BZX Exchange, and NYSE Arca, which removes the requirement for individual Section 19(b) approvals for eligible crypto ETPs. Additionally, registration statements submitted without a deferral clause during the shutdown will automatically become effective after 20 days, offering issuers the option for automatic or expedited effectiveness under Rule 461 for quicker listings.