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What's Next for Crypto After SEC's 11 Bitcoin ETFs Approval

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds are poised to commence trading as early as Thursday, as the final registration statements became effective following an extended approval process with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Fri, 12 Jan 2024, 01:57 am UTC

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are poised to debut on Thursday, following the finalization of registration statements after a lengthy approval process with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The upcoming days and weeks are expected to witness significant developments, leaving observers speculating on the potential impact, the likelihood of a spot ether ETF, and potential alterations in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies.

Anticipating Inflows and Potential Volatility

Market experts closely monitor the anticipated inflows within the initial 24 to 48 hours, projecting unprecedented flows ranging from substantial to record-breaking. Financial institutions, boasting over $100 trillion in assets under management, may gradually allocate funds to Bitcoin as part of their investment strategies.

According to The Block, market volatility concerns persist despite expectations of spot Bitcoin ETFs tracking the underlying Bitcoin. With the influx of new assets under management (AUM) in the first days of trading, some predict potential challenges for these ETFs to secure exposure in the Bitcoin markets.

The possibility of $40-50 billion flowing into these ETFs on the initial trading day could pose difficulties in acquiring a significant amount of Bitcoin.

Spot Bitcoin ETF Launch Uncertainties

The competition among issuers for spot Bitcoin ETFs has intensified, with various applicants reducing fees in recent days. BlackRock and Ark Invest/21Shares are among those lowering their fees, creating an environment of competitive fee reduction.

The question arises whether the lowered fees still present a viable business opportunity for these ETFs. Stuart Barton, Co-founder at Volatility Shares, speculates that one or two spot Bitcoin ETFs might not launch on the scheduled Thursday date, while others could experience delays or possibly not launch at all.

Grayscale's Impact on SEC's Decision

The SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs is intricately tied to a court decision regarding Grayscale's bid. A D.C. court ruled over the summer that the SEC had to re-review Grayscale's plan for a spot Bitcoin ETF.

Coy Garrison, Partner at Steptoe and former counsel to SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, emphasizes the judiciary's role in shaping the SEC's stance on crypto.

According to CNBC, the SEC's approval may hinge on court decisions, reflecting a dynamic regulatory environment under Chair Gary Gensler.

As the crypto community awaits the historic trading debut of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the landscape continues to evolve, with potential implications for market dynamics and regulatory approaches.

Photo: Kanchanara/Unsplash

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