Bitwise Asset Management has filed an S-1 form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an Ethereum (ETH) Spot exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Bitwise perseveres despite regulatory hesitations
While the current regulatory uncertainty is evident, Bitwise has resolutely attempted to introduce a spot Ethereum ETF. This initiative is in response to the market success of previously introduced spot Bitcoin ETFs, which have seen fairly high trading volume since their introduction.
Filing the S-1 form is a crucial part of the process, signaling Bitwise’s intention to offer an ETF that directly tracks Ethereum’s performance. Unlike futures-based ETFs, a spot ETF would provide investors with exposure to the actual Ethereum asset. Bitwise’s decision to proceed with the filing signals a positive belief in Ethereum’s potential and its attractiveness to investors.
Potential approval of spot Ethereum ETF
Given Bitwise’s recent filing, industry experts began evaluating the possibility of acceptance by the SEC. Bloomberg ETF analyst estimates put the approval probability at about 30%, a number that signals cautious optimism and reflects the conciliatory regulatory environment.
In addition to the S-1 filing, Bitwise had filed a 19b-4 form with a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between Ethereum’s spot and futures markets. The purpose of this analysis is to address one of the SEC’s most critical issues – the link between the spot and futures markets.
Comparative analysis of Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs
The direction of Bitcoin ETFs essentially sets the tone for the discussion about Ethereum ETFs. Furthermore, the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs has established a pattern that fueled hopes that equivalent products for Ethereum would follow suit. However, Ethereum’s unique properties and market dynamics could create a different route to ETF approval.
Bitwise, as it continues to move forward with filing for the Ethereum ETF, has not yet included staking language in its filing stage, a choice that separates it from some competitors like Fidelity. This method is a strategic decision to simplify the approval process by focusing only on the spot trading aspect of Ethereum.
The results of the filings have yet to be determined as the SEC reviews them. The regulatory authority has also postponed decisions on spot Ethereum ETFs until the end of May, indicating a careful and considered approach to the new financial instruments.
At the same time, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan noted that a later launch would be more beneficial as it would give traditional finance more time to adapt and digest the impact of Bitcoin ETFs. This aspect of vision implies a strategic view that rests on the need to make new products compatible with the willingness of market and regulatory authorities.
Source: https://cryptobenelux.com/2024/03/29/bitwise-stapt-vooruit-met-gedurfde-ethereum-etf-aanvraag/
