In a recent CNBC Squawk Box interview, SEC Chair Gary Gensler remained tight-lipped about the advancements of spot Ethereum ETFs, despite rising investor interest paralleling the trajectory of Bitcoin ETFs. The SEC, having previously delayed decisions on multiple Ethereum ETF applications, including those from notable firms like Grayscale and Fidelity, continues to keep the market in anticipation.
Progression of Ethereum ETF Decisions
Gensler confirmed that Ethereum ETFs would undergo a similar review process to their Bitcoin counterparts but provided no clear timeline for a decision. The SEC had already deferred a verdict on a product from Invesco Galaxy. With other players like BlackRock and VanEck in the running, the delays have become a pattern for the regulatory body.
Franklin Templeton joined the fray with a recent filing, signaling its strategy to generate passive income through an Ethereum ETF, akin to ARK 21Shares’ revised application. The upcoming deadlines for the SEC’s decisions on various applications span from May to August, with the industry watching closely.
Analysts Offer Predictions and Insights
James Seyffart from Bloomberg anticipates a potential collective decision by the SEC on all Ethereum ETFs by May 23, recalling the simultaneous approval of Bitcoin ETFs earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Eric Balchunes adjusted his forecast, signaling a dip in the likelihood of a 2024 Ethereum ETF approval.
While Ethereum ETFs await approval, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has set a new precedent by accumulating over 100,000 Bitcoin, marking a significant milestone for Bitcoin-based ETFs in the United States.