The quest for a spot Bitcoin ETF continues as the SEC has been blocking planned ETFs that would invest in Bitcoin directly for years. With no signs of the regulator changing its stance anytime soon, firms have been resorting to offering funds that hold equities of crypto and blockchain-related companies or Bitcoin futures contracts. Despite the obstacles, three crypto-related ETFs – the Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI), the VanEck Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP), and the Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ) – achieved year-to-date returns of over 100%.
Several leveraged Bitcoin futures funds are currently under consideration for launch, though their fate remains uncertain. Volatility Shares plans to launch its 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) on June 13, and other issuers have also filed for similar funds. However, experts like Dave Nadig, a financial futurist at data firm VettaFi, believe leveraging Bitcoin futures may not be the best long-term approach, citing regulatory hurdles and limited use cases.
Two recently proposed funds by NEOS are the Bitcoin High Income ETF and the Bitcoin Quantitative Trend ETF. The actively managed High Income ETF would use a Bitcoin futures call options strategy, aiming to capture the positive momentum of Bitcoin’s price while minimizing downside risk using cash and cash alternative products. The fund would hold Bitcoin futures contracts, US government securities, and money market funds, as well as short-duration fixed income and cash alternative ETFs.
Meanwhile, Grayscale has filed for a Global Bitcoin Composite ETF – a fund that would hold ETFs backed by physical Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining companies. A separate Grayscale Privacy ETF would invest in companies developing blockchain-based privacy solutions. Although Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart believes the SEC will have to approve the Global Bitcoin Composite ETF, others, like Lara Crigger from VettaFi, remain skeptical about its chances of launching.
With the continuing pursuit of a Bitcoin ETF, firms and potential investors must consider both the innovation and regulation involved in the process. The future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology hinges on achieving a balance that allows for growth, while also preserving financial security and stability.
Source: Blockworks
