Crypto ETFs: Cathie Wood “Surprised” if SEC Approves More Than Bitcoin or Ethereum
Cathie Wood says it would be surprising if SEC would approve other ETFs beyone ETH, BTC | Credit: Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Key Takeaways
- Cathie Wood’s prediction highlights the SEC’s current focus on BTC and potentially ETH for spot ETF approvals.
- Regulators’ comments around BTC and ETH commodity status mark them as the safest bets for further advancements.
- While Ark already has futures-based ETFs, the quest for SEC approval of their spot-based counterparts is ongoing.
In January, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave the green light to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
However, Cathie Wood anticipates that the SEC will not extend its approval to spot exchange-traded funds that hold cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ether.
Limited ETF Approvals for Cryptocurrencies Beyond Bitcoin and Ether
Speaking at the WSJ’s Take On the Week podcast , the founder of ARK Investment Management said:
“We’d be surprised to see anything but Bitcoin and Ether being approved by the SEC,”
In an upcoming episode, the full context of Cathie Wood‘s statement will be revealed, but recent reports suggest that cryptocurrencies deemed as securities may face challenges in gaining approval for corresponding ETFs. SEC Chair Gary Gensler is well-known for his previous description of Bitcoin (BTC) as a commodity, while his stance on Ethereum (ETH) continues to be less clear.
The classification of Ethereum as a commodity has also been supported by others, including Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair Rostin Benham, who expressed this viewpoint during a Senate Agriculture Hearing in March 2023. While this classification does not ensure that the SEC won’t consider ETH a security, it suggests a potential for Bitcoin and Ethereum to receive similar regulatory treatment.
Gary Gensler has further clarified that the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs is specific to Bitcoin and does not indicate a broader acceptance of other digital assets. This statement underscores the SEC’s cautious approach to expanding ETF approvals beyond Bitcoin and Ether.
Eyeing Ethereum and Beyond
In a significant move within the cryptocurrency investment space, Ark, in collaboration with 21Shares, received approval in January to launch the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), marking a milestone for firms venturing into spot cryptocurrency ETFs.
Expanding their product lineup, Ark and 21Shares have introduced four ETFs focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum futures strategies, known as ARKA, ARKC, ARKY, and ARKZ. This diversification reflects the growing interest and varying investment strategies within the digital asset market.
Spot Ethereum ETF to Cement Crypto’s Legitimacy, SEC Holds the Key
The battle for regulatory approval of spot Ethereum ETFs in the U.S. is reaching a crucial turning point. Ark Invest, known for its innovative investment strategies, is actively vying for SEC approval of its spot Ethereum ETF proposal, with a decision expected in May. It’s not alone – VanEck has a similar proposal under review by the SEC, making this a potentially landmark moment for cryptocurrency investment access.
If an Ethereum spot ETF gains approval, it could trigger a surge in institutional and mainstream investor capital into the market, further solidifying cryptocurrency’s legitimacy as an asset class. The SEC’s past rejection of spot proposals has fueled the rise of crypto futures ETFs, but these come with additional complexities and may not be ideal for all investors.
The ongoing discussion around XRP ETFs adds another layer of intrigue. The absence of such funds in the U.S., coupled with the SEC’s ongoing legal battle with Ripple Labs, paints an uncertain picture for XRP’s regulatory future. However, the success of 21Shares’ XRP ETP in Switzerland signifies that there’s global demand for regulated investment vehicles tied to a wider range of cryptocurrencies.
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