The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently announced a delay in its decision regarding the approval of Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from various asset management firms. The SEC has received applications for Ethereum ETFs from Ark Invest/21Shares, VanEck, and Hashdex, all of which are currently under consideration by the securities regulator. This delay has significant implications for the cryptocurrency market, as investors and industry experts eagerly await the SEC’s verdict.
The three asset management firms, Ark Invest/21Shares, VanEck, and Hashdex, submitted their applications to launch Ethereum ETFs in September. While VanEck and Ark Invest/21Shares aim to track the spot price of ether (ETH), Hashdex plans to launch a mixed fund that combines spot and futures price movements. The SEC has instituted proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change that would enable the listing of these ETFs. As per the SEC’s regulations, the applications are open to public comments for 35 days after being published in the Federal Register.
The SEC’s Statement
The SEC made it clear that the institution of proceedings does not indicate any conclusions reached by the Commission. It requests interested individuals to submit written submissions of their views and arguments concerning the issues raised in the applications. The SEC aims to thoroughly evaluate all aspects before making a final decision. The comments provided by public stakeholders will play a significant role in shaping the SEC’s perspective on Ethereum ETFs.
The latest move by the SEC has extended the timeline for the approval or disapproval of the Ethereum ETF proposals to May 2024. This delay has disappointed many investors and analysts who were hopeful for a decision sooner. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart believes that the delay orders for VanEck, Ark Invest/21Shares, and Hashdex were initially due by December 25, 26, and January 1, respectively. However, the SEC has pushed these dates further into the future. The prolonged uncertainty surrounding Ethereum ETFs has created a sense of frustration among market participants and could potentially hinder the growth of the cryptocurrency market.
In addition to the delay in Ethereum ETF applications, the SEC has also extended deadlines for other cryptocurrency-related proposals. Both Invesco/Galaxy Digital and Grayscale Investments have been granted more time for their Ethereum ETFs. Invesco and Galaxy Digital are seeking approval for a spot Ethereum ETF, while Grayscale intends to convert its Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) into a spot product. The SEC’s initial decision for the Invesco Galaxy Ethereum spot ETF was scheduled for December 23 but has now been postponed to February 4. This further contributes to the overall uncertainty in the crypto market.
Despite the delays in Ethereum ETF approvals, the crypto community remains hopeful for the timely approval of approximately 13 applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs by January. If these applications are approved, it could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and attract more institutional investors. However, with the SEC’s cautious approach towards cryptocurrency ETFs, it is uncertain whether these applications will be successful.
The SEC’s decision to delay the approval of Ethereum ETFs has created uncertainty and disappointment in the crypto market. The extended timeline for the decision has dampened investor enthusiasm and hindered the growth of Ethereum as an investment vehicle. Additionally, the delays in other cryptocurrency-related proposals add to the overall sense of uncertainty. As the crypto community eagerly awaits the SEC’s decision, the future of Ethereum ETFs and their impact on the market remain uncertain.
Leave a Reply