Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval Timelines and Key Dates

Enthusiastic anticipation fills the ranks of Bitcoin investors as they await the regulatory nod for the inaugural U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), a development poised to hold considerable significance for the wider cryptocurrency investment community. Today, Coincu will join you in finding out the spot Bitcoin ETF approval timelines.

Overview of Bitcoin ETFs in US

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) represent a popular investment vehicle, tracking specific assets or commodities in the cryptocurrency space. Unlike direct ownership of the underlying asset, investors can buy and sell ETFs on stock exchanges and brokerage accounts. The custody of the bitcoin held within the ETF is managed by the fund manager, simplifying the investment process for those who may be unfamiliar with self-custody or navigating bitcoin exchanges.

Bitcoin ETFs come in various forms, with futures ETFs currently garnering more success in obtaining approval from regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, it’s crucial to note that these futures ETFs differ from spot bitcoin ETFs. Futures ETFs track contracts predicting the future price of bitcoin, and these contracts do not confer actual ownership of bitcoin. As these contracts approach expiration, they must either be settled or exchanged for new contracts.

What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?

The Spot Bitcoin ETF stands out as an open-end fund uniquely structured to issue or redeem shares based on investor demand, mirroring the real-time spot price of Bitcoin. Functioning much like stocks, these ETFs are traded on major exchanges, offering investors the flexibility to buy or sell shares throughout the trading day at prices aligned with the underlying asset—Bitcoin.

The key feature of ETFs lies in their ability to create and redeem shares to match market demand. This mechanism ensures that if the ETF’s price deviates from the actual value of Bitcoin, authorized participants can exploit arbitrage opportunities. This process serves to maintain the ETF’s market price in close alignment with the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the underlying asset, offering a transparent and efficient investment tool for market participants.

SEC and the first spot Bitcoin ETF

Cautious actions on spot Bitcoin ETF

Presently, U.S. investors have the option to invest in Bitcoin futures ETFs, which hold Bitcoin futures contracts representing agreements to buy or sell the cryptocurrency at a predetermined price in the future.

However, the long-awaited Bitcoin spot ETF, set to directly invest in the digital asset, has remained elusive. Despite ongoing efforts by asset managers to introduce such ETFs, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has consistently either denied or delayed these funds due to concerns surrounding market manipulation and investor protection.

SEC legal battles

The SEC’s hesitancy changed course following a significant legal battle with Grayscale Investments in August, which resulted in a watershed lawsuit loss for the regulatory body. After this development, the SEC has adopted a more collaborative approach, working closely with approximately a dozen firms in an effort to potentially bring spot Bitcoin ETFs to the market. The protracted struggle to gain regulatory approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs has been characterized by concerns regarding market integrity and the safeguarding of investor interests.

The SEC, having faced setbacks in the legal arena, is now engaging in a more cooperative stance with industry players to navigate these concerns. Notably, industry figures, including Cathie Wood of ARK Invest, express optimism that the SEC may choose to approve multiple spot Bitcoin ETF applications simultaneously. This approach is believed to prevent any single firm from gaining a first-mover advantage, aligning with the SEC’s commitment to fostering fair competition within the cryptocurrency ETF space.

Spot Bitcoin ETF approval timelines

2023 ends with expectations for 2024

In 2023, the cryptocurrency landscape witnessed a surge in applications for a spot Bitcoin ETF from prominent traditional financial institutions. This development marks a significant shift in the financial industry’s engagement with the world of digital assets.

The process of obtaining approval for a Bitcoin Spot ETF from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) involves a meticulous series of steps. Commencing with the submission of an application by the ETF sponsor, the SEC proceeds to scrutinize the application, releasing it for public commentary and requesting amendments as necessary. Notably, crucial decision dates are established, determining outcomes such as approval, denial, or potential delays for additional scrutiny, which is customary for groundbreaking ETFs in the United States.

Important dates to pay attention to

Despite the flurry of applications, the SEC has subjected all propositions to rigorous examination, resulting in multiple delays and reviews. As of the latest developments on November 29, 2023, the applications for BTC spot ETFs from financial giants Franklin and Hashdex have encountered setbacks, with the SEC deferring the review process until January 1, 2024. This delay underscores the meticulous nature of regulatory scrutiny, especially for innovative financial instruments in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space.

The extended review period suggests that the SEC is taking a cautious approach, ensuring a thorough assessment of the proposed BTC spot ETFs before reaching a decision. Investors and industry observers are now eagerly awaiting the outcome, as the approval of these ETFs could mark a pivotal moment in the integration of traditional financial institutions with the expanding realm of digital assets.

Deadline for companies to apply for spot Bitcoin ETF

In a recent filing on November 28, the SEC has initiated a public comment period for spot Bitcoin ETF applications submitted by Wall Street investment management firm Franklin Templeton and Brazil-based cryptocurrency-focused investment firm Hashdex.

The SEC, responsible for evaluating and regulating such financial instruments, typically has a 240-day window to approve or deny an ETF filing. During this period, the SEC must provide updates on its decision at certain intervals. However, the decision to start the public comment period earlier than the usual Bitcoin ETF approval timelines suggests a potential acceleration in the SEC’s efforts toward the anticipated approval of a “spotcoin” ETF.

ARK 21 Shares Bitcoin ETF

The deadline for Ark Investment’s ARK 21 Shares Bitcoin ETF has been extended from November 11, 2023, to January 10, 2024. This significant move comes after a bipartisan push from members of the House who, on September 26, 2023, wrote to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, urging immediate approval for the listing of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

In response to this call for action, on November 20, ARK Invest submitted another amended prospectus for its spot Bitcoin ETF product. This collaborative effort involves a partnership with the European digital asset manager 21Shares. The proposed ETF, named the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, is slated to trade on the Chicago Board Options Exchange’s BZX Exchange under the ticker symbol ARKB, as outlined in the updated filing. If approved, this ETF could mark a significant milestone in the integration of cryptocurrency into traditional financial markets.

iShares Spot Bitcoin ETF

The fate of BlackRock’s iShares spot Bitcoin ETF hangs in the balance as the SEC continues its thorough examination. The regulatory body’s final deadline to respond to BlackRock’s application is set for March 15, 2024, underscoring the gravity of the decision.

In recent developments, BlackRock engaged in discussions with the country’s securities regulator, presenting an updated ETF model in response to the agency’s feedback. The meeting aimed to address concerns raised during previous interactions, particularly focusing on refining the redemption model to assuage the SEC’s apprehensions. The proposed revision takes into account the SEC’s specific worries regarding potential balance sheet impacts and the associated risks posed to U.S. broker-dealers involved with offshore crypto entities.

Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust

Bitwise Asset Management has rekindled its pursuit of a Bitcoin ETF by submitting a fresh application to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This marks a renewed effort after the investment firm withdrew its application for a physically-backed Bitcoin ETF back in 2020. Having navigated regulatory waters, Bitwise has already achieved success in gaining approval for a fund that offers investors exposure to companies operating in the blockchain and crypto industry.

Bitwise’s Bitcoin Exchange Traded Product (ETP), known as BITB, is scheduled for a crucial deadline on January 14, 2024. This looming deadline adds an element of anticipation to the cryptocurrency community and traditional investors alike, as Bitwise aims to bring a Bitcoin-related investment vehicle to market.

VanEck Bitcoin Trust, Wisdomtree Bitcoin Trust, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust

VanEck, Wisdomtree, Invesco, Galaxy Digital, and Fidelity have collectively filed applications for Bitcoin ETFs, all sharing the same final deadline of March 15, 2024. This joint filing by industry heavyweights signals a concerted effort to seek regulatory approval for Bitcoin-related investment products, emphasizing the growing interest and confidence in cryptocurrency within mainstream finance.

Notably, Fidelity, a leading financial services provider, has taken a proactive stance by submitting an updated version of its spot Bitcoin ETF S-1 application. This revised filing incorporates additional details aimed at addressing specific concerns raised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund

Digital asset manager Valkyrie Investments has recently updated its registration for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the SEC. This move positions Valkyrie Investments alongside other major players in the industry seeking regulatory approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The SEC has opted to delay its decision on Valkyrie’s application, adding an element of anticipation to the company’s quest for approval.

The extended Bitcoin ETF approval timelines indicate that the SEC is taking a meticulous approach to evaluating Valkyrie’s proposal, considering the potential impact and implications of introducing a spot Bitcoin ETF to the market. The regulatory body’s decision is now slated for a final deadline on March 19, 2024.

Global X Bitcoin Trust

The SEC has granted an extension to Global X’s application for a Bitcoin ETF, pushing the deadline from November 21, 2023, to February 19, 2024. The regulatory body, as outlined in a published press release, is now actively seeking public comments on the proposal, with an expected duration of the next 35 days.

The extension provides Global X with additional time for the SEC to thoroughly evaluate the intricacies of the Bitcoin ETF application. This deliberate approach reflects the SEC’s commitment to a comprehensive review process, considering factors such as market impact, investor protection, and regulatory compliance.

Franklin Bitcoin ETF and Hashdex Bitcoin ETF

The SEC has delayed its decision on the proposed listing and trading of shares for two Bitcoin ETFs – Franklin Bitcoin ETF and Hashdex Bitcoin ETF. This delay comes as the regulatory body initiates the comment period specifically for Franklin Templeton’s spot Bitcoin ETF proposal. Observers in the cryptocurrency market suggest that new SEC filings indicate a willingness to expedite the comment period, potentially leading to a comprehensive ruling on Bitcoin ETFs by January.

A disclosure revealed that the SEC has opted to “institute proceedings” to evaluate whether to approve or deny the Franklin Bitcoin ETF. This decision is notable given that Franklin Templeton, a traditional financial giant boasting approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management, entered the Bitcoin ETF race in September. The Franklin Bitcoin ETF proposal, initially published in the federal register on October 3, faced a delay in its decision on November 15, as per SEC orders.

Experts’ expectations for 2024

As the crypto world eagerly awaits regulatory decisions on Bitcoin ETFs, analysts suggest that January 2024 could be the pivotal moment for securing a ‘clear runway’ for ETF approvals. The approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF in the United States is poised to unlock new opportunities for a diverse range of entities that have previously maintained limited exposure to Bitcoin and other crypto assets. This includes family offices, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds, all of whom stand to gain entry into the cryptocurrency market.

While the exact impact on Bitcoin’s market dynamics remains uncertain, analysts have delved into potential scenarios. One analyst speculates that major ETFs could witness inflows exceeding $100 billion over the next two years, with a slight uptick when factoring in self-managed retail positions. Bloomberg analysts contribute to the discourse, predicting a 90% likelihood of spot Bitcoin ETF approval by January 10, 2024, even if not approved in 2023.

Spot Bitcoin ETF’s Affect on Bitcoin price

As Bitcoin surges to new highs in proximity to the upcoming halving event, the impending approval of Bitcoin ETFs is expected to intensify bullish sentiment within the crypto community. The community’s optimism is palpable, projecting that the price of Bitcoin is poised to touch the $50,000 mark before the year 2024, primarily fueled by the heightened anticipation surrounding the potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs. The community remains optimistic about the transformative impact of spot Bitcoin ETF approval timelines on Bitcoin’s valuation.

With the market eagerly awaiting the regulatory verdict, the recent surge in Bitcoin’s value reflects the high expectations surrounding the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF. The cryptocurrency has recently surpassed the $42,000 mark, reaching its highest price point since mid-2022. This dramatic uptick in value underscores the market’s response to the evolving landscape and the potential implications of regulatory decisions on Bitcoin’s trajectory.

Conclusion

In summary, the cryptocurrency landscape stands on the brink of a transformative moment, fueled by the widespread anticipation of the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF. The imminent potential influx of investments from diverse entities injects a sense of excitement into this pivotal development, promising to reshape the dynamics of the crypto market.

The SEC is slated to make its final decision on whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change by January 1, 2024. As this crucial date approaches, interested parties are granted a 21-day window to submit their initial comments to the SEC regarding the proposal. Following this, the deadline for rebuttal extends to 35 days after the publication of the proposal.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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