The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently evaluating several applications for a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), including Grayscale’s GBTC trust product. The approval of a Bitcoin ETF is eagerly anticipated by both regulators and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The SEC’s initial rejection of the first Bitcoin ETF in 2017 was due to concerns over the lack of regulation and market manipulation. However, the regulator still has concerns about asset safety, custody, and trading venue resilience. Analysts predict a 90% chance of approval by Jan. 10, 2024, if not approved in the current window. BlackRock’s bid for a Bitcoin ETF has generated optimism, but the SEC has expressed reservations about applications lacking clarity. The market is expecting near-term approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could impact crypto prices and market dynamics. Market analysts are closely monitoring regulatory developments. Some critics, like Schiff, predict a market downturn once a Bitcoin ETF is launched, but this forecast has faced opposition from other cryptocurrency investors.
AI Sentiment: Positive
