- BlackRock is advancing towards launching a Bitcoin ETF, with a potential Nasdaq listing in sight for its iShares Bitcoin Trust.
- Grayscale has received a mandate from the US Court of Appeals for the SEC to revisit their application for a spot Bitcoin ETF, marking a significant step in their ongoing journey.
In a series of progressive developments for Bitcoin ETFs, both Grayscale and BlackRock have experienced pivotal moments in their respective pursuits. These developments are indicative of the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency integration within traditional financial markets.
Navigating Through Regulatory Channels
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is inching closer to potentially listing its iShares Bitcoin Trust on the Nasdaq. Erin Balchusas, a Bloomberg analyst, highlighted this advancement, noting the importance of this listing as part of the broader process of bringing a Bitcoin ETF to market.
“The iShares Bitcoin Trust has been listed on the DTCC (Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, which clears NASDAQ trades). And the ticker will be $IBTC. Again all part of the process of bringing ETF to market.”
While Balchusas remarked on the somewhat conventional choice of the ticker name, he underscored its strategic importance in attracting a more traditional investor demographic to Bitcoin.
Concurrently, Grayscale has seen a breakthrough in its long-standing efforts to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF. The US Court of Appeals has directed the SEC to re-examine Grayscale’s application, following a previous court order. This direction reflects the court’s stance against what Grayscale deemed
“unfair discrimination”
in the SEC’s initial rejection of their proposal.
This development has fuelled speculation regarding the timeframe for Bitcoin ETF approvals, with anticipations stretching from late 2023 to the first half of 2024.
A Glimpse into Market Dynamics
At the time of these announcements, Bitcoin’s market price stands at $33,333, reflecting the broader market’s response to these advancements.
These strides by Grayscale and BlackRock are emblematic of the cryptocurrency world’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap with traditional financial markets, ensuring greater accessibility and legitimacy for digital assets in the eyes of global investors.
SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce, a known advocate for a more progressive approach towards crypto-assets, remarked on the SEC’s historical sluggishness in crypto-related matters. She expressed hope for a shift towards a more productive stance, aligning regulatory practices with the innovative pace of the cryptocurrency sector.
In essence, the movements by Grayscale and BlackRock in the Bitcoin ETF space are pivotal, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of cryptocurrency integration within traditional investment vehicles.
