In a groundbreaking development for the cryptocurrency community, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved a series of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), putting an end to months of eager anticipation.
Surprising many, the ETFs submitted by notable asset management firms secured simultaneous approval well in advance of the anticipated January 10, 2023 deadline. A total of 13 prominent Bitcoin ETF applicants, including industry giants such as BlackRock, Grayscale Investments, Ark Invest & 21Shares, Bitwise, VanEck, WisdomTree, Invesco, Fidelity, Valkyrie, Global X, Hashdex, Franklin Templeton, and Pando Asset Management, have now received the regulatory green light.
This approval marks a pivotal departure from previous years, during which attempts to establish a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund faced repeated rejections from the SEC. The primary hurdle cited for these rejections was the perceived potential for market manipulation in spot markets. However, a significant turn of events occurred when the SEC had already given the nod to Bitcoin futures ETFs in October 2021. This move played a crucial role in propelling Bitcoin to reach an unprecedented all-time high of $69,000 in November 2021.
Leading up to this landmark approval, extensive discussions unfolded between ETF applicants and regulators. Substantial amendments were made to S1 filings, introducing innovative elements such as cash-backed share creation. Notably, these filings incorporated a “surveillance-sharing agreement,” with various ETFs designating the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase as a strategic partner. This collaboration aimed to alleviate concerns associated with potential spot market manipulation.
As a reminder, this only serves informational purposes and is not intended as financial advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research and analysis before making any consequential decisions related to the discussed topics. The crypto landscape continues to evolve, and staying informed remains crucial for navigating these dynamic markets.