SHIB has just been included in the FTSE Grayscale encryption asset framework, classified under the "Consumption Culture" zone. This classification system was jointly developed by Grayscale and FTSE Russell to delineate tracks for mainstream institutional investors.

More importantly: SHIB and DOGE are the only two currencies in this zone that meet the SEC's general listing standard (GLS), which means they are eligible to apply for a spot ETP. Other currencies in the zone, such as XRP, LTC, Stellar, and BCH, also meet the criteria, but currently only the spot ETFs for SOL and LTC are trading in the United States.

T. Rowe Price recently mentioned SHIB as a potential inclusion in its actively managed encryption ETF, indicating that institutions are starting to have a positive outlook on this coin. Although SHIB has not yet filed for an independent spot ETF, being included in the GLS framework means that the path for future filings has been paved — provided that Grayscale or other asset management companies actually submit a registration statement.

There is no specific timetable in the short term, but this wave of integration into the framework is indeed a step towards mainstreaming.