The SEC has reportedly contacted major U.S. exchanges to update their applications for listing spot Ether ETFs. This move comes ahead of a critical decision on VanEck’s spot Ether ETF. Approval could pave the way for several other asset managers, including ARK 21Shares, BlackRock, Fidelity, and Invesco Galaxy.

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly reached out to several major U.S. exchanges, including the Nasdaq, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), to update their applications for listing and trading spot Ether (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move comes as the regulatory deadline for deciding on VanEck's spot Ether ETF application approaches on May 23, 2024, following a 240-day delay.


Background and Potential Regulatory Approval

According to a Reuters report dated May 21, SEC officials have been in contact with these exchanges to make necessary updates and changes to existing spot Ether ETF applications. This communication from the SEC could signal a potential approval, which has stirred optimism within the financial community. Notably, on May 20, two ETF analysts significantly increased their odds of the SEC approving a spot Ether ETF from 25% to 75%, based on industry chatter suggesting that applicants should expedite their 19b-4 filings. These filings, along with S-1 registration statements, are essential before any spot Ether ETFs can be listed.


Implications for Asset Managers

If the SEC grants approval to VanEck’s spot Ether ETF, it could open the floodgates for similar approvals for spot Ether ETFs from other major asset managers. Companies such as ARK 21Shares, BlackRock, Fidelity, Hashdex, and Invesco Galaxy have already expressed their intentions to launch spot Ether ETFs. For instance, Fidelity has proactively amended its S-1 filing to specify that the Ether associated with its investment vehicle will not be staked, indicating that this could be a prerequisite for SEC approval.


Market Reactions and Speculations

The move by the SEC to engage with the exchanges has generated a mix of anticipation and speculation within the crypto industry. Historically, the SEC has been cautious about approving spot cryptocurrency ETFs, as evidenced by its approach to Bitcoin ETFs. The commission started approving investment vehicles tied to Ether futures in October 2023 and spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, setting a precedent that the market has been closely watching.


Public statements and actions by SEC Chair Gary Gensler and the commission's previous investigations had led many to believe that the SEC might be inclined to deny spot Ether ETF applications. However, the recent interactions with the exchanges could indicate a shift in regulatory stance, providing a glimmer of hope for asset managers and investors alike.


Next Steps and Industry Impact

As the deadline for VanEck’s application looms, the entire financial industry is on high alert. An approval from the SEC would not only validate the efforts of numerous asset managers but also potentially bring a surge of institutional interest and investment into the Ether market. This could further solidify Ether's position as a mainstream investment asset alongside Bitcoin.


The potential approval is also likely to influence the strategic planning of asset managers who are preparing to launch their own spot ETFs. A green light from the SEC could expedite their filing processes and bring these investment vehicles to market sooner than anticipated.


The SEC’s recent engagement with major U.S. exchanges regarding spot Ether ETF applications marks a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency market. As the regulatory deadline for VanEck’s application nears, the possibility of an approval has created a buzz within the financial community. Should the SEC approve VanEck’s spot Ether ETF, it could set a precedent for other asset managers and significantly impact the broader market.


The industry waits with bated breath for the SEC’s decision, which could herald a new era of institutional investment in Ether, further integrating cryptocurrency into the fabric of traditional financial markets.


(TURNER WRIGHT, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)