The Movement Network has recently made significant strides toward launching its mainnet, with the public mainnet beta going live on March 10, 2025, at 15:00 UTC. This launch enables key functionalities such as asset bridging and smart contract deployment, marking a crucial step in the network’s development.
Concurrently, investment firms Rex Shares and Osprey Funds have filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to the price performance of Movement’s native token, $MOVE. This proposed ETF aims to allocate at least 80% of its assets to MOVE or related derivatives, offering traditional investors a regulated way to gain exposure to the token without directly managing cryptocurrencies.
The timing of these developments is notable, as they occur amid a shifting regulatory landscape in the U.S. The SEC, under new leadership, has shown signs of adopting a more crypto-friendly stance, including dropping lawsuits against several crypto firms and clarifying that certain assets, such as meme coins, are not considered securities.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 17 (June 9 – Sept 6, 2025) today for early bird discounts. Do annual for access to Blucera.com.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register to become a better CEO or Director with Tekedia CEO & Director Program.
This shift could potentially favor the approval of altcoin ETFs like the one tied to MOVE, though no such ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum have been approved to date. The MOVE token has also seen positive market momentum, surging over 6% on the day of the mainnet beta launch and ETF filing, despite a broader crypto market decline.
However, it’s important to critically assess these developments. The enthusiasm surrounding the ETF filing and mainnet launch may be driven by speculative hype rather than guaranteed outcomes. The SEC’s approval of the MOVE ETF is far from certain, given the regulatory uncertainty surrounding altcoins and the lack of precedent for approving ETFs tied to newer cryptocurrencies.
MOVE tokens are used to pay for transaction fees, also known as gas fees, on the Movement Network. This includes costs associated with executing smart contracts, transferring tokens, and interacting with dApps. By requiring MOVE tokens for transaction fees, the network ensures that users have a stake in the ecosystem and that resources are allocated efficiently. This also compensates validators or node operators for processing and securing transactions. As the network scales and dApp activity increases, demand for MOVE tokens to cover transaction fees is expected to grow, potentially driving token value.
Additionally, while the mainnet beta launch is a technical milestone, its long-term success depends on factors such as developer adoption, network stability, and real-world utility, none of which are assured at this early stage. Investors and observers should remain cautious, recognizing that these developments, while promising, carry inherent risks and uncertainties.
MOVE tokens are likely used for staking, a mechanism where token holders lock up their tokens to support network security and consensus. In return, stakers may earn rewards, typically in the form of additional MOVE tokens. Staking aligns the interests of token holders with the network’s long-term health by incentivizing them to act honestly and secure the blockchain. This is particularly important for proof-of-stake (PoS) or delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) networks, which Movement may utilize. Staking provides a passive income stream for token holders, encouraging long-term holding and reducing circulating supply, which could positively impact token economics.