Crucial Bitcoin ETF Decision Looms as SEC Engages Asset Managers

<p>The
US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is actively engaging with asset
managers in anticipation of a crucial decision on the approval of a bitcoin
exchange-traded fund (ETF), as revealed in memos released this week.</p><p>SEC's
Postponements: Aiming to Address Multiple Bitcoin Fund Applications</p><p>In
a memo, the SEC disclosed a recent meeting with Grayscale on Thursday to
discuss the potential transformation of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an
ETF. Grayscale previously faced resistance from the SEC on this matter, but
after challenging the decision in court, they emerged victorious.</p><p>Additionally,
SEC officials held discussions with representatives from BlackRock and Nasdaq
on Wednesday, as outlined in a separate memo. BlackRock had submitted a filing
for a bitcoin ETF in June, and other asset management firms followed suit.While
the SEC retains the authority to deny crypto ETFs, many experts in the industry
anticipate the launch of such funds in the U.S. early next year. The SEC has
postponed decisions on several bitcoin funds recently, possibly aiming to
address multiple applications simultaneously.</p><p>Despite
Gary Gensler's, the Chair of the SEC, outspoken criticism of cryptocurrencies, he has
expressed a willingness to consider his staff's input on a potential bitcoin
ETF in recent public statements.</p><p><a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/tag/grayscale/">Grayscale</a>'s strategic
move was highlighted by the recent hiring of John Hoffman, an executive from Invesco ETF, as the Managing Director. Hoffman will head distribution and strategic
partnerships for Grayscale, indicating the crypto asset manager's preparedness
to launch the fund if it secures approval. </p><p>The
market's growing confidence in the eventual approval of a <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/tag/bitcoin-etf/">bitcoin ETF</a> seems
to be influencing the price of bitcoin positively. On Thursday, the
cryptocurrency was trading above $37,000, marking a significant rebound from
its late-summer dip to around $26,000.</p><blockquote><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another meeting yesterday b/w Grayscale &amp; SEC…Absolutely fascinated to see how this all plays out, especially timing of GBTC uplisting vs launch of competing spot btc ETFs.Btw, if you're tired of me tweeting about this, good news is I think we're approaching finish line. <a href="https://t.co/lsngOSe57z">pic.twitter.com/lsngOSe57z</a></p>— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) <a href="https://twitter.com/NateGeraci/status/1730386129323434370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote><blockquote><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST IN: