SEC's Solana ETF Delay Raises Market Attention On Coldware and XRP, Will These 2 PayFI Kings Reign Supreme?

The SEC has once again pushed back its decision on multiple Solana ETF applications, extending the review period until July 2025. 

That kind of regulatory limbo is making investors look elsewhere, especially toward projects that don’t need ETF approval to grow.

Right now, Coldware ($COLD) and XRP are getting a lot more attention. Both are gaining traction in the PayFi space, where the focus is on real-world payments and cross-border transfers. 

While others wait on SEC green lights, these two are moving forward with actual use cases—which gives investors something solid to get behind.

Coldware and XRP Lead the PayFi Revolution

As regulatory uncertainty continues to impact ETF-dependent narratives, projects with clear utility in the payments space are getting a lot of recognition. 

Coldware and XRP suddenly became the leaders in what industry insiders are calling the "PayFi revolution"—the fusion of payment technology with decentralized finance.

XRP, despite its own regulatory challenges, has maintained its position as a leader in cross-border payments. The token's design specifically addresses the inefficiencies of traditional banking rails, offering settlement times measured in seconds rather than days. 

Meanwhile, Coldware is taking a more hardware-focused approach to the payments problem. Unlike most blockchain projects that focus solely on software, Coldware is developing both the Layer-1 blockchain and the physical devices needed to access it. 

The Larna 2400 smartphone and ColdBook laptop come pre-configured to connect to Coldware's network, so users can make payments, stake tokens, and access dApps without additional setup.

This integrated approach addresses one of the biggest barriers to crypto payment adoption—ease of use. By combining hardware and software, Coldware creates a 

The increasing demand for cryptocurrency payment systems is driving the success of both projects. 

3 Reasons Coldware Might Be the Most Useful Blockchain Right Now

Most crypto projects chase hype. Coldware isn’t one of them. It’s focused on making blockchain tech actually usable—and here’s how it different from the rest:

• It’s built for real people, not just crypto bros: Coldware keeps transaction costs low and processing fast, which makes it perfect for things like micro-payments or sending money across borders. And since it’s designed to run on phones and basic devices, you don’t need fancy gear to use it.
• You stay in control of your identity: Coldware lets you verify and manage your own data without giving it all away to big platforms. That’s a big deal in today’s privacy-driven world.
• Businesses can actually rely on it: With built-in smart contracts and a tamper-proof ledger, companies can cut costs, automate deals, and track inventory or data securely—no extra systems needed.

Instead of talking about potential, Coldware is actually shipping products and putting its ideas into practice. 

SEC Delays Solana ETF Decision Amid Market Manipulation Concerns

The Securities and Exchange Commission has delayed its ruling on several Solana ETF applications, including those from Bitwise and 21Shares. 

According to recent reports, the agency has extended its review period until mid-2025, citing concerns about market manipulation and the need for additional time to evaluate staking mechanisms and investor protection measures.

This isn't the first delay for crypto ETF applications, but it comes at a time when investor interest in Solana has been surging. The SEC's hesitation has created a sense of regulatory limbo for SOL, despite the token's strong technical performance and growing ecosystem.

The delay follows a familiar pattern in the SEC's approach to crypto ETFs. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs eventually secured approval after multiple delays, the agency has consistently taken a cautious stance toward newer blockchain protocols, particularly those with staking mechanisms.

Market analysts note that the SEC's concerns center around several key issues. First, there's the question of whether Solana's validator structure provides sufficient decentralization. 

Second, the commission is examining whether Solana's staking rewards might classify the token as a security under U.S. law. Finally, there are ongoing questions about market surveillance and manipulation prevention.

While SOL’s price saw some volatility after the delay, it quietly shifted investor focus toward crypto projects that offer real payment solutions without relying on ETF approval to gain traction.

Final Thoughts

The SEC’s decision to delay Solana ETF approvals just adds to the growing list of regulatory roadblocks in crypto. But honestly, it also makes one thing clear—projects that don’t rely on ETF hype might have the upper hand.

That’s why Coldware and XRP aren’t waiting around. . Instead of waiting for green lights from regulators, they’re focused on solving real problems—like faster payments and everyday usability. It’s a more practical approach, and one that might matter more in the long run.

If you’re tired of riding the ETF rollercoaster, the PayFi movement led by Coldware and XRP could be where the real momentum is building—one that’s grounded in actual utility, not just speculation.