Solana Futures Hit $2.16B as Institutions Bet on ETF Decision

- Record $2.16 billion open interest in CME SOL futures. - Solana ETPs assets surpass $500 million from institutional demand. Institutional investors are significantly increasing their exposure to Solana (SOL). Record-breaking activity in CME futures and exchange-traded products (ETPs) signals their growing confidence. This comes ahead of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) upcoming decision on the first Solana ETF on October 10. On October 3, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that open interest in CME SOL futures hit a record $2.16 billion. This milestone highlights the growing institutional confidence in Solana’s long-term potential. In parallel, surging institutional demand has pushed Solana ETPs past $500 million in total assets under management. Despite this institutional buildup, retail participation remains muted. This follows significant market liquidations on September 22, which wiped out $250 million worth of long positions. Analysts suggest this decline in retail leverage has stabilized the market structure. The current environment favors "stronger hands," as institutional investors shift their strategies toward long-term commitments over speculative trades. According to CoinMarketCap, Solana (SOL) traded at $233.075 as of 19:08 UTC on October 3, with its 24-hour trading volume increasing by 0.186%. This price stability, coupled with institutional confidence, could signal further momentum for Solana ahead of the pivotal SEC decision.