What We Know
Canary Capital, the asset management firm behind multiple cryptocurrency ETF filings, has registered a new entity called "CANARY PEPE ETF" with the Delaware Division of Corporations. The filing, dated January 23, 2026, establishes a statutory trust - the same legal structure used for other crypto ETFs including Bitcoin and Ethereum funds.
The registration uses CSC Delaware Trust Company as the registered agent, a well-established corporate services firm commonly used for ETF trust structures. This mirrors the process Canary Capital has followed for its previous crypto ETF filings.
Why Delaware First?
Delaware registrations typically precede formal SEC filings. Asset managers establish the legal trust structure in Delaware before submitting the S-1 registration statement and 19b-4 filing required for ETF approval. This two-step process is standard practice in the ETF industry.
What This Means for PEPE
If approved, a PEPE ETF would be the first exchange-traded fund based on a meme coin. This comes after the successful launches of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 and subsequent approvals for Ethereum, Solana, and other cryptocurrency funds.
Canary Capital has been aggressive in filing for crypto ETFs, including applications for Solana, XRP, Litecoin, and HBAR funds. The firm appears to be betting that the SEC's increasingly favorable stance toward crypto will extend to meme coins.
What Happens Next
Following a Delaware registration, asset managers typically file:
- S-1 Registration Statement - The prospectus filed with the SEC detailing the fund's structure, risks, and investment strategy
- 19b-4 Filing - The exchange rule change proposal allowing the ETF to be listed on a national securities exchange
The SEC then has up to 240 days to approve or reject the filing, though this timeline can be extended. Given the novelty of a meme coin ETF, regulatory scrutiny is expected to be significant.
Market Implications
The crypto market has historically reacted positively to ETF filings, viewing them as validation of mainstream adoption. However, traders should note that a Delaware registration is only the first step - SEC approval is far from guaranteed, especially for a meme coin with no underlying utility beyond speculation.
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