Grayscale, a well-known cryptocurrency investment firm, has recently provided an update on its proposed spot Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund). CEO Michael Sonnenshein spoke with Bloomberg on November 8, shedding light on the company’s plans. Grayscale aims to convert its existing Grayscale BTC (GBTC) fund into an ETF, a move that has gained attention from investors and crypto enthusiasts alike.
Sonnenshein highlighted the company’s ongoing interactions with regulators. He mentioned that Grayscale’s team has been diligently submitting the necessary filings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the past few weeks. These filings contain all the required documents to support Grayscale’s pursuit of listing its ETF on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Notably, Sonnenshein specifically mentioned Grayscale’s S-3 filing, a securities registration form typically used by companies that have already fulfilled other reporting obligations. This filing has enabled the company to engage in a “constructive dialogue” with the SEC, indicating a positive development in their relationship. It is clear that Grayscale is eager to work collaboratively with the regulatory authorities to navigate the complexities of launching a Bitcoin ETF.
Sonnenshein also emphasized that Grayscale is “operationally ready” to transform its GBTC fund into an ETF immediately. The company has made this known to the SEC, showcasing its preparedness and commitment to swiftly adapt to the ETF structure. However, despite Grayscale’s readiness, it appears that the SEC is not yet prepared to grant approval for the proposed Bitcoin ETF.
When questioned about the potential timeline for approval, Sonnenshein candidly admitted that discussions around specific timelines have not taken place. This suggests that the path to regulatory approval may still require further negotiations and deliberations between Grayscale and the SEC. The uncertainty surrounding the approval timeline can be frustrating for investors eagerly awaiting the introduction of a Bitcoin ETF.
Additionally, Sonnenshein’s statement coincided with reports from Bloomberg analysts who mentioned an eight-day period for the SEC to approve all pending spot Bitcoin ETFs. Given Sonnenshein’s remarks, it appears unlikely that Grayscale’s ETF proposal will be among the approved funds in the coming days, if any are approved at all. However, there remains a possibility for Grayscale’s fund to be individually approved after the collective deadline of November 17.
In contrast to the uncertainty, Craig Salm, Grayscale’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO), expressed optimism regarding the ongoing engagement with the SEC’s division of Trading and Markets. Salm believes that Grayscale is actively involved in productive discussions with the regulatory body, suggesting a potential avenue for progress in the future.
As the battle continues for Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF proposal, the cryptocurrency community eagerly awaits further updates and any potential breakthroughs. While the approval process may involve challenges and delays, the ultimate goal of having a regulated Bitcoin ETF available to investors remains a significant milestone for the crypto industry.
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