Will ARK’s Bitcoin ETF be the Game-Changer? SEC’s Decision Awaited Eagerly

• The SEC’s ruling on ARK’s Bitcoin ETF is due by Aug. 13, but a possible delay might extend the decision timeline.
• A “surveillance sharing” agreement might enhance transparency and reduce chances of market manipulation.

Decoding the SEC’s Bitcoin ETF Decision Maze

ARK’s application for a spot Bitcoin ETF, among many others like BlackRock, Bitwise, and VanEck, is on the SEC’s table. While the preliminary deadline for ARK’s Bitcoin ETF verdict is Aug. 13, the SEC has the discretion to stretch this to Jan. 10, 2024. This capacity to defer isn’t unprecedented. For example, Bitwise’s deadline extends to March 15, 2024.

However, what’s the rationale behind these potential delays? The SEC aims to ensure market integrity, and its primary concerns have been potential fraud and manipulation in the Bitcoin market. Historically, all previous spot Bitcoin ETF applications have been declined due to these apprehensions.

Introducing the “Surveillance Sharing Agreement

To address these concerns, a recent proposal embedded within many applications is the “surveillance sharing” agreement with exchanges like Nasdaq and Cboe. This initiative intends to:

• Share vital information about market trading activity, clearing operations, and customer identification.
• Diminish the risk of market manipulation.
• Ensure investor assets remain secure from unauthorized diversions, as previously seen with FTX.
• This groundbreaking proposition seems promising, but there’s still ambiguity about its sufficiency to appease the SEC’s stringent criteria.

Legal Tussles Shaping the Outcome

Interestingly, the arena isn’t just limited to applications. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust has legally challenged the SEC over its denial to transition to a Bitcoin ETF. During these proceedings, a key question emerged: Why did the SEC approve Bitcoin futures contracts with similar surveillance agreements and not the ETFs?

Supporters of Bitcoin hail Grayscale’s audacious move. As Som Seif, CEO of Purpose Investments, elucidates, forcing the SEC through legal channels could bring much-needed clarity to the scene.

Crypto Community’s Perspective

Despite the SEC’s historical reservations, many remain hopeful. Recent approvals, like the 2x leveraged Bitcoin ETF in June, hint at a shifting regulatory mindset. Some analysts, like Bloomberg Intelligence’s duo Seyffart and Balchunas, even place the odds of a Bitcoin ETF approval at a promising 65%.

Yet, amidst this optimism, there are skeptics. Some point to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s perceived opposition to a spot Bitcoin ETF, doubting any immediate positive outcome.

A Global View: Canada’s Bitcoin ETF Success

While the U.S. grapples with regulatory dilemmas, Canada has been ahead of the curve. Seif’s spot Bitcoin ETF in Canada has been operational since early 2021, showcasing a viable, secure way to invest in the crypto realm.

Regulation and the Need for Clarity

Ric Edelman emphasizes the urgency of comprehensive crypto legislation in the U.S. The SEC’s ambiguous stance, punctuated by lawsuits against entities like Binance and Coinbase, underscores the vital need for clear regulatory guidelines. This absence of a transparent framework not only hinders business operations but also stifles crypto’s vast potential in the American market landscape.