Fidelity Rolls Out Solana Trading Access for US-Based Investors

Core Insights - Fidelity has expanded its crypto offerings by adding Solana (SOL) trading, making it accessible to both institutional and retail investors [1][2] - This move reflects the increasing integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional finance, with Solana becoming one of the most traded digital assets globally [2] - Fidelity highlighted Solana's efficiency, processing approximately 60,000 transactions per minute, significantly higher than Bitcoin's 250 and Ethereum's 800 [3] Company Developments - Fidelity's expansion includes various platforms such as Fidelity Crypto, Fidelity Crypto for IRAs, and Fidelity Digital Assets, targeting different investor segments [1] - The Solana Foundation's head of institutional growth confirmed the listing of Solana on Fidelity's platform, indicating institutional interest [2] Technical Performance - Solana's transaction fees are notably low, often just fractions of a cent, compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum, which typically cost at least 50 cents per transaction [3] - The blockchain allows for the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts, enhancing its appeal for payments and trading [4] Challenges and Stability Concerns - Despite its growth, Solana has faced network reliability issues, including major outages that raised concerns about its long-term stability [5] - The most recent outage occurred in February 2024, lasting five hours, although it was the first in over a year, suggesting some improvement [6] Market Trends - Solana's market presence is bolstered by the approval of the 21Shares Solana Spot ETF in the US, allowing investors direct exposure to Solana's spot price [7] - This ETF approval is expected to enhance institutional participation in Solana, despite previous challenges related to network congestion [7]