The joint application for a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) by Ark Invest and 21Shares has faced an amendment in their recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This amendment introduces a notable change concerning the creation and redemption process, limiting financial firms’ access to only cash creations and redemptions. While this development may impact the potential approval of a spot Ethereum ETF, it is crucial to examine the underlying reasons and implications of this decision.
Unlike spot Bitcoin ETFs, financial firms seeking to purchase and redeem shares for an Ethereum ETF will not be able to engage in in-kind creations and redemptions involving ETH. This unexpected limitation is outlined explicitly in the filing, stating that authorized participants will exclusively utilize cash for creating and redeeming shares. The underlying motives for the SEC’s insistence on cash-based methods are still unclear, although some reports suggest that the current U.S. regulatory landscape hinders the handling of cryptocurrencies.
In addition to the cash-based limitation, the recent filing also indicates that the ETF issuers anticipate engaging in Ethereum staking. Staking involves securing and verifying blockchain transactions by holding cryptocurrency tokens, which often generates rewards. However, the filing acknowledges that staking carries a risk of potential losses, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the amendment. Notably, industry experts have expressed reservations about the SEC’s acceptance of staking in the final proposal, considering the regulator’s cautious approach to new investment vehicles.
Despite these limitations and uncertainties, Ark Invest and 21Shares’ amendment can be seen as a relatively positive development for the spot Ethereum ETF market. Previously, the SEC extended the deadlines for various other ETH ETF proposals, including those from prominent firms like BlackRock, Fidelity, Grayscale, and Invesco Galaxy. However, the recent amendment signifies some degree of progress in the approval process. Notwithstanding these advancements, it remains crucial to acknowledge that the SEC must make a decision regarding a spot Ethereum ETF by May 23, including VanEck’s proposal and other similar funds.
Given the varying speculations regarding the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF, market expectations are mixed. According to Polymarket, a prediction market, there is a 43% probability of approval occurring in May. Meanwhile, ETF analyst James Seyffart posits a 60% chance of approval, while a member of JP Morgan estimates a 50% likelihood. The projections from Standard Chartered Bank lean towards an approval in May, contrasting with TD Cowen’s belief that an approval will not materialize until 2024. With such divergent opinions, it is evident that the ultimate decision from the SEC remains uncertain.
Although it is unclear whether the recent amendment has influenced investor sentiment, the market response has been mildly positive. At the time of writing, Ethereum (ETH) has experienced a price increase slightly higher than the 24-hour market average. ETH has risen by 1.9%, outperforming Bitcoin (BTC) and the overall crypto market, which have grown by 1.3% and 1.5%, respectively. These price movements demonstrate that market participants are closely monitoring the news and its potential implications on the future of Ethereum.
As of the time of press, Ethereum holds the second-largest market capitalization, valued at $292.25 billion. Over the past 24 hours, ETH has recorded a trading volume of $9.42 billion, with a modest increase of 2.07%. In the broader context, the global cryptocurrency market boasts a total value of $1.69 trillion, accompanied by a 24-hour trading volume of $47.65 billion. Bitcoin dominance stands at 51.18%, highlighting its continued prominence in the digital asset landscape.
The recent amendment in the joint application by Ark Invest and 21Shares for a spot Ethereum ETF introduces significant changes to the creation, redemption, and staking processes. While the limitations imposed on financial firms and the uncertainty surrounding staking may impact the approval prospects, it is essential to recognize the progress made amidst other delays. As the SEC’s decision date of May 23 approaches, market expectations remain split, and the ultimate fate of a spot Ethereum ETF remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the market response to the recent news indicates that participants are closely monitoring these developments, underscoring the significance of a potential spot Ethereum ETF for the crypto industry as a whole.