The cryptocurrency community is buzzing with anticipation as experts foresee the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) potentially approving spot Ethereum ETFs soon. Nate Geraci, host of the ETF Prime podcast, speculates that approvals for S-1 filings might occur within a few weeks, with the process taking as long as 2-3 months.
What Are Geraci’s Expectations?
In a post on social media platform X, Geraci conveyed his belief that the SEC would approve the registration statements for spot Ethereum ETFs shortly. He argues that the SEC’s prior quick approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs sets a favorable precedent. He noted that the SEC has already laid much of the groundwork, implying the timeline largely depends on the SEC’s pacing.
Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, joined the discussion, suggesting a potential approval date around July 4, 2024. Geraci concurred, adding that while the process might exceed a month, earlier approval is possible. This dialogue among experts signals cautious optimism about the ongoing progress.
How Does Seyffart Explain the Approval Process?
James Seyffart, another Bloomberg analyst, elaborated on the approval stages, distinguishing between SEC approval and the actual launch of the ETFs. He mentioned that while the 19b-4 applications for eight spot Ethereum ETFs were approved on May 23, the S-1 forms still await approval, which could take several weeks or months. Seyffart highlighted that, as with the spot Bitcoin ETF, the approvals of 19b-4 and S-1 forms are not simultaneous.
Seyffart also emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between the SEC and applicants. This interaction, he noted, just commenced and could span several weeks, similar to the spot Bitcoin ETF approval process. Thus, the launch timeline for these ETFs remains uncertain, contingent on the pace of this communication.
Key Takeaways for Investors
Considering the insights shared, investors can draw several valuable conclusions:
- SEC’s prior experience with spot Bitcoin ETFs may speed up Ethereum ETF approvals.
- The approval process for S-1 forms could take weeks to months.
- Communication between the SEC and applicants is pivotal, impacting the launch timeframe.
- Experts remain cautiously optimistic about the eventual approval.
Despite the uncertainties, experts like Geraci and Balchunas remain hopeful about the final approval of these ETFs. They believe that the SEC’s previous encounters with similar ETF approvals could smooth the process for spot Ethereum ETFs. Geraci emphasized that the SEC has already navigated the complexities of such approvals, which might expedite the current proceedings.