In a significant trend within the crypto world, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has received 12 applications for Ethereum futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Major players in the investment industry, such as ProShares, Direxion, VanEck, Grayscale, Roundhill, and Bitwise, have filed for regulatory approval, indicating a potential turning point for integrating cryptocurrency and traditional finance.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart monitors these filings and tweets about current affairs. Bitwise, ProShares, and Direxion ETFs are among the companies filing for dual Bitcoin and Ethereum futures ETFs. ProShares, in particular, has shown immense interest, submitting four Ethereum ETF filings, including a Bitcoin and Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF.
Scepticism Surrounding Approval Chances
Despite the escalating interest and a flood of applications, industry analysts express scepticism about the chances of approval. Seyffart speculates that the firms likely had these applications ready to submit and might withdraw them if needed. He believes there is a 75% chance of withdrawal due to the cost of being behind competitors on a first-of-its-kind launch.
Nate Geraci, President of the ETF Store, shares reservations about market demand for these ETFs. He suggests that combined BTC and ETH futures ETFs might be the best path to succeed for now, as investors ultimately want real deal spot ETFs that involve the actual underlying assets.
Ethereum Futures ETFs vs. Spot Bitcoin ETFs
The Ethereum futures ETFs filings come after several applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs. Spot ETFs differ significantly as they require issuers to purchase and hold the underlying asset, making them more valid in cryptocurrency. Elliott Stein, a litigation analyst, muses on a potential shift in the SEC’s stance, expecting a wave of simultaneous approvals for all spot Bitcoin ETF applicants if the SEC loses its case against Grayscale.
The Potential Impact on Crypto Investments
As the crypto world awaits the SEC’s decision, it’s clear that the outcome could significantly affect the future landscape of crypto investments. The approval of these Ethereum futures ETFs could be a turning point in the broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the traditional finance world.
The surge in applications for Ethereum futures ETFs indicates a growing interest in integrating cryptocurrency with traditional finance. While scepticism remains about approval chances, the potential impact on the crypto investment landscape is significant. Investors and the industry eagerly await the SEC’s decision, which could pave the way for further advancements in adopting cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance. At the time of writing, the ETH price stood at $1,835, adding to the anticipation surrounding the outcome.
