In the world of decentralized finance, a remarkable shift may be imminent with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) anticipated approval of multiple Ether futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) applications altogether. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the applications, which combine futures Bitcoin and Ether strategies, have been pouring in since July last year. This differs remarkably from 2021, a time when firms were often instructed to withdraw such applications. Among the applicants is Valkyrie, an asset management firm that recently filed for an Ether futures ETF and is expected to be the first to debut a BTC-ETH ETF in early October.
The growing approval speaks to the evolution of regulatory perspectives on crypto-assets, providing a sense of optimism for enthusiasts and investors alike. However, there’s also apprehension surrounding these approvals, especially concerning the potential risk posed to individual investors and the financial system broadly, should the wild west of digital finance prove too volatile.
In the ETF industry, the principle of speed is imperative. Data from Morningstar cited by the WSJ attests to this — the first futures Bitcoin ETF approved from ProShares has aggregated $1 billion in assets under management since its inception in October 2021. However, questions linger on whether this precedent will hold true for Ether futures ETFs.
Meanwhile, the SEC’s deliberation over the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the US continues, with heavyweights like Fidelity and BlackRock among those awaiting the outcome. The regulator’s final decision is expected by January, setting the stage for an exciting and potentially transformative year for the crypto industry.
Simultaneously, the entrance of Elon Musk into the political discussion around crypto has shaped a compelling narrative for the future of digital finance. Musk’s endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican presidential candidate known for advocating a stronger crypto environment within the United States, further highlights the increasing significance of crypto in shaping politics and policy.
This unfolding narrative consequently sets the stage for intense discussions around the potential impact on the industry and individual investors. Amid the anticipated approvals, the trickledown effects remain uncertain. Will this herald a new era of mainstream crypto investment, or will it lead to unforeseen pitfalls? What’s clear, however, is that the world of blockchain and digital finance is on the cusp of change, and all eyes remain fixed on the SEC’s next move.
Source: Cointelegraph
