SHIB Welcomes New Institutional Recognition: What Does Inclusion in the Grayscale Framework Mean?

Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB) recently made a major move that many people have overlooked. In the crypto asset classification framework jointly released by Grayscale and FTSE Russell, SHIB was officially included in the “Consumer & Culture” (Consumer & Culture) category—and it is one of only two tokens in this category (the other being DOGE).

Why is this noteworthy?

Framework background: This classification system was launched in 2023, dividing crypto assets into five major categories—Finance, Smart Contracts, Currency, Utilities, and Consumer & Culture. Being included means that Grayscale officially recognizes SHIB’s fundamentals and community ecosystem.

Even more important is the ETF potential: The SEC-approved General Listing Standards (GLS) framework in September allows eligible crypto assets to directly file for spot ETPs, without the need for separate individual approvals. At least 11 coins currently meet the standards, and SHIB happens to be one of them—this is a direct pathway to compliant trading products.

Current progress

• There is still no independent spot ETF application for SHIB in the US
• T. Rowe Price’s actively managed fund has mentioned SHIB as a potential inclusion option
• In Europe, Valour has already launched a Swedish Krona-denominated ETP
• Although Grayscale recognizes SHIB as GLS-eligible, it has not yet submitted a registration statement

Core viewpoint: The significance of being included in this framework is that it opens the door to institutional recognition. Although there is no specific listing timetable yet, the path for SHIB to move from a wild memecoin to an institutional-level financial product is becoming increasingly clear.