
Key Takeaways:
- SEC Approves Ether ETFs: The SEC approved Ether ETF applications from major firms including VanEck, BlackRock, and Fidelity on May 23.
- Expected Market Impact: Experts predict initial volumes for Ether ETFs might reach around $1 billion, potentially less than Bitcoin ETFs.
- Global and Regulatory Implications: The approval may encourage other countries to pursue their own crypto ETFs and implies an unofficial recognition of Ether as a commodity.
The recent approval of spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States has sparked discussions among experts about the future of cryptocurrency investments.
On May 23, the SEC approved the applications for Ether ETFs from several major firms including VanEck, BlackRock, and Fidelity.
🎉 Congratulations 🥳 #ETH maxis on approval of Ethereum ETFs for all the major funds
— BitmonkCrypto (@BitmonkCrypto) May 24, 2024
Key Points on the SEC's Approval of Spot Ether ETFs:
➪ The SEC approved the sale of spot Ether ETFs in the US on May 23, 2024.
➪ This approval follows the January 2024 approval of Bitcoin… https://t.co/XB3uIHbSZu pic.twitter.com/zAIEVq0hPF
Following the approval, industry professionals like Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas anticipate that these ETFs might not see as large a volume as Bitcoin ETFs, suggesting a possible total of around $1 billion in the initial weeks.
Matthew Sigel from VanEck highlighted their efforts to make a compelling investment case for Ethereum, noting its vibrant decentralized application ecosystem which might attract tech and equity investors unfamiliar with Ethereum.
VanEck urges the SEC to honor the filing order for spot Ethereum ETFs, advocating a first-come, first-serve basis.
— IBC Group Official (@ibcgroupio) May 23, 2024
"We were first to file, & we expect to be first out the door," says Matthew Sigel.
With the SEC review ending today, chances of approval rise from 25% to 75%. pic.twitter.com/37A24zVAGr
Yat Siu remarked on the broader implications of U.S. approvals, suggesting that other countries might also pursue their own crypto ETFs to stay competitive in the global market.
Moreover, Bill Hughes from Consensys argued that the approval implies an unofficial recognition of Ether as a commodity, although the SEC has not explicitly stated this.
The very same week that the SEC will deny an Ethereum spot ETP because of Ether’s “new” regulatory status. What convenient timing. What are the odds?
— Bill Hughes : wchughes.eth 🦊 (@BillHughesDC) May 20, 2024
Controversial blockchain firm Prometheum launches long-awaited Ethereum custody | Fortune Crypto https://t.co/WR3YiRnzJN
Hughes expressed concerns about the need for greater transparency and caution in how these regulatory decisions are framed and their broader implications.
Overall, the approval of Ether ETFs is seen as a significant step for the cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to increased competition and regulatory developments in the crypto space globally.