SEC Meets Stock Exchanges Before January 10 Spot Bitcoin ETF Deadline

Key Takeaways:

• SEC Close to Approving Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Recent talks between the SEC and major stock exchanges hint at imminent approval, potentially granting broader access to Bitcoin via ETFs.
• Pending Verdict Sparks Market Speculation: Speculation arose following suggestions of potential rejection, contributing to a temporary dip in Bitcoin’s price amidst hopes for an ETF approval.
• Milestone for Crypto Industry: Approval would mark a significant milestone, offering retail investors enhanced access to Bitcoin at lower costs compared to existing futures ETFs.
• Widening Investor Pool: Introduction through trusted money management firms might entice a wider investor base, encouraging more inclusion of crypto in investment portfolios.
• Awaited SEC Decision: With the January 10 deadline approaching, the financial world anticipates the SEC’s verdict, potentially shaping a new era in crypto investments.

According to insiders familiar with recent developments, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is on the verge of potentially approving a range of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Critical discussions held between the SEC and major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), have centered around the review of applications for these highly anticipated ETFs.

The SEC’s focus in these discussions has been on revising and finalizing the 19b-4 filings submitted by exchanges on behalf of ETF issuers. The approval from the SEC is crucial before these ETFs can be made available to the public.

Additional Read: Bitcoin ETF & Ethereum ETF Timeline 

While the final verdict is pending, industry insiders suggest that the SEC might start notifying issuers of their potential approval as early as this Friday. This development could potentially pave the way for the trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the coming week. Market analysts and ETF issuers maintain a positive outlook, anticipating a favorable decision from the SEC by or before January 10, 2024.

This prospective approval arrives amid the crypto market’s fluctuating sentiments. Speculation emerged following a research note from Matrixport, hinting at the potential rejection of all spot Bitcoin ETF applications due to the SEC’s Democratic majority and its historically cautious approach to cryptos. This speculation led to over a 7% decline in Bitcoin’s price after a surge close to $45,000, driven by hopes of an ETF approval.

The SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs would signify a significant milestone for the crypto industry. It would offer retail investors broader access to the world’s largest digital asset at a lower cost as compared to the currently permitted futures ETFs. Additionally, introducing ETFs through esteemed and highly regulated money management firms like BlackRock or Fidelity could attract a wider investor base, enticing more individuals to include crypto in their investment portfolios.

An SEC spokesperson highlighted that any decision regarding the registration statement or 19b-4 orders would be transparently displayed on EDGAR, the agency’s website, and the Federal Register.

With the approaching deadline of January 10, 2024 – the financial realm remains on edge, eagerly awaiting the SEC’s verdict to potentially unlock a new chapter in crypto investments.

Read More: Bitcoin Price Prediction

Source: CryptoPotato