A renewed wave of optimism is sweeping across the Solana ecosystem, fueled by whale activity, improving technical indicators, and rising expectations for ETF approval. With crypto‑friendly policymaker Paul Atkins now at the helm of the SEC, analysts believe SOL may be preparing for a major leg up–potentially toward $1,000.

Whale Activity Signals Strong Institutional Confidence

After falling as low as $97 earlier this week, Solana rebounded 7,7% to trade above $116. The sharp recovery coincided with broader gains across U.S. equities and the crypto market. Adding fuel to the momentum, a prominent whale reentered the market with a $3,72 million purchase of 32,000 SOL–the first major buy in over six months.

This investor had previously acquired over 30,000 SOL at significantly higher prices, suggesting long‑term confidence in the asset’s fundamentals. Meanwhile, SOL has regained its 50‑day moving average near $125–a critical technical level often viewed as a springboard for trend reversals.

Paul Atkins’ Appointment Boosts Solana ETF Prospects

The biggest catalyst may come from Washington. Paul Atkins, a longtime advocate for digital assets, was recently confirmed as the SEC’s permanent chair. His leadership has raised hopes for spot ETFs tied to altcoins, with Solana at the top of the list.

ETF approval would mark a major milestone for institutional adoption, giving investors access to SOL without the need to manage wallets or custody solutions. It would also align Solana with recent developments in the ETF space, where Bitcoin and Ethereum products have paved the regulatory path.

ETF Infrastructure Already in Motion

Even before Atkins’ appointment, groundwork for a Solana ETF had begun. In February, the DTCC listed two futures‑based Solana ETFs–SOLZ and SOLT–issued by Volatility Shares. And just last week, Fidelity’s proposed spot Solana ETF received formal acknowledgment from the SEC, with approval odds now sitting at 89%.

With whale confidence building, key resistance levels being reclaimed, and ETF momentum accelerating, Solana appears poised for a potentially explosive rally–one that could push SOL closer to four‑digit territory.

See also: Solana drops sharply as tariffs trigger market selloff