Spot Bitcoin ETF approval: Issuers reach significant milestone

Issuers of spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETF) have made significant progress toward regulatory approval.

According to Bloomberg, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided positive feedback on key filings and requested no additional feedback on the paperwork for several applications.

The agency’s commissioners plan to vote on the exchange-rule filings this week. At least one applicant, asset manager BlackRock, reportedly expects the SEC to approve its application for a spot Bitcoin ETF on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Last week, the SEC instructed multiple exchanges and issuers interested in listing these ETFs to submit a final version of a crucial document by Friday, Jan. 5.

Multiple reports cited how, following the latest amendments, the SEC provided no further feedback on the paperwork for several firms.

This development signals progress on the path to gaining regulatory approval in the upcoming days and paves the way for the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which has been a goal for various companies, including BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Invest, WisdomTree, VanEck, and Valkyrie.

There are currently a total of 14 asset managers hoping to win SEC approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The growing number of applicants and the recent improvements in their filings suggest a growing optimism about the approval process.

Analysts also predict that Bitcoin ETFs will overcome any potential hurdles, including challenges related to the cryptocurrency market’s activity, further indicating optimism about the approval.

Spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF hurdles

Multiple asset managers have faced challenges in their attempts to launch Bitcoin spot ETFs since 2013. The SEC habitually rejected them, arguing that the products did not adequately protect investors from fraud and manipulation risks.

But in 2024, the culmination of recent developments indicates that the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF is likely to become a reality.

Asset managers have updated their filings, providing assurances that their assets will be held in separate accounts by their bank and not commingled with the company’s or other clients’ assets. This has led to expectations that the SEC is interacting positively with these companies rather than planning to reject their applications outright.

Last August, a federal appellate court ruled in favor of Grayscale Investments, which had requested the conversion of its $16.7 billion Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a Bitcoin ETF. The SEC had an opportunity to appeal the ruling but chose not to, indicating a potential shift in the regulatory body’s stance on Bitcoin ETFs.

The SEC has historically been cautious in approving Bitcoin ETFs due to concerns about market manipulation and the ability of issuers to protect investors. However, recent developments indicate that the regulatory environment may be becoming more favorable for the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Despite the challenges, the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF remains a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry. It would increase the accessibility, liquidity, demand, and price of Bitcoin, potentially attracting millions of new investors and bringing greater interest from larger institutional players.