The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is indicating a potential shift in its stance towards approving multiple Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications simultaneously, a significant departure from its cautious approach in the past. Unlike last year, the SEC hasn’t requested firms to withdraw their Ethereum ETF applications, sparking speculation of an impending change in regulatory attitude.
Currently, there are 16 pending applications for Ethereum-focused ETFs or combined Bitcoin-Ether futures ETFs awaiting the SEC’s decision. This surge in applications reflects a growing interest in offering investment vehicles that leverage crypto futures contracts instead of directly investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
One prominent player in this development is Valkyrie, an asset management company that has submitted an application for an Ether futures ETF. Valkyrie’s previous attempt at a combined Bitcoin-Ether futures strategy ETF is also noteworthy. Industry insiders suggest that Valkyrie might lead the way and potentially launch its BTC-ETH ETF as early as October.
The competition among ETF providers in the crypto space is driven by the understanding that being an early entrant can lead to substantial asset inflows. For instance, ProShares, the first Bitcoin futures ETF approved by the SEC, attracted around $1 billion in assets within its first year, highlighting the potential financial gains.
The SEC’s evolving approach to Ethereum ETFs is part of a broader conversation about crypto-related financial products. The anticipation also extends to the SEC’s decision regarding a spot Bitcoin ETF, which could impact both emerging entities and established financial giants like Fidelity and BlackRock. The final verdict is projected to be announced by January.