Injective CEO Eyes 2027 or Earlier for US INJ ETF Launch
Injective co-founder and CEO Eric Chen believes that US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to the INJ token could launch before 2027. During an interview at Korea Blockchain Week 2026, Chen noted that two ETF applications, 21Shares Injective ETF and Canary Staked INJ ETF, are progressing through the regulatory process, though he did not specify an exact launch date. The applications were initially filed in 2025, with amended S-1 registration statements submitted in September. Chen also hinted that the timeline might be sooner than 2027, expressing surprise at how quickly the process has moved.
Injective has been expanding its regulatory presence in the US and Europe, aiming to attract institutional investors. The company’s subsidiary, Injective Institutional Services, became an SEC-registered transfer agent for tokenized securities in August, enabling it to manage ownership records and process securities transfers. Chen indicated that this is just the beginning of Injective’s licensing efforts in the US.
Beyond regulatory advancements, Injective is enhancing its infrastructure for institutional clients. The Meridian upgrade, launched on September 24, introduces features like onchain tokenization and collateralization, with compliance-focused transfer controls. The network has also facilitated the migration of over $1 billion in residential mortgage records onchain for Pineapple Financial, with plans to handle more than $10 billion in mortgages. In Europe, Injective is preparing for compliance under MiCA regulations and collaborating with licensed firms on payment and tokenization projects.
Despite these developments, the INJ token has been underperforming. Trading data indicates that INJ is facing selling pressure, with its latest rally attempt rejected at a key resistance level for the fourth time. The Accumulation/Distribution Indicator also suggests ongoing distribution, further signaling potential weakness ahead.