Bitcoin ETF

What is a bitcoin ETF? They are a relatively easy-to-purchase investment vehicle that owns bitcoin (BTC), the original cryptocurrency. Just like stocks, exchange-traded funds are listed on exchanges, can be traded throughout the day and are available for purchase through normal brokerage accounts. A bitcoin ETF was first proposed in the U.S. around 2013 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, but were never approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Several applications for them are pending with the SEC as of January 2024, from companies including BlackRock, Grayscale, Fidelity, Galaxy/Invesco and Franklin Templeton. If approved, crypto ETFs could dramatically broaden the base of people who can invest in digital assets. There have been bitcoin futures ETFs available in the U.S. for several years, but the latest round of proposed products, technically known as spot bitcoin ETFs, are a more efficient and desirable product.

Markets

Bitcoin Fundamentals Have Never Looked Better: Bernstein

The world’s largest cryptocurrency is expected to benefit from a number of positive catalysts in 2024, the report said.

By Will CannyNov 20, 2023

stepwise increasing stacks of coins pictured against a chart of rising price candles

Finance

SEC Delays Decisions on Franklin Templeton and Global X Spot Bitcoin ETFs

The moves were expected and aren't having any immediate effect on the bitcoin price.

By Stephen AlpherNov 17, 2023

SEC Chair Gary Gensler in Washington on Oct. 25, 2023 (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Finance

More Bitcoin ETF Rejections 'Quite Likely,' BitGo's Belshe Says

Belshe says the SEC could reject ETF applications until exchanges and custody separate out.

By Oliver KnightNov 17, 2023

CEO of BitGo Mike Belshe in a chair on-stage at Consensus 2023 (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin Dips 5% to Under $36K as Crypto Rally Runs Into Wall, Liquidating $340M in 2 Days

The SEC delaying a decision about spot BTC ETFs could leave the market without a catalyst until early January, K33 analysts said this week.

By Krisztian SandorNov 16, 2023

Finance

Crypto for Advisors: Cryptocurrency Transparency Truths vs. Myths

In this week's issue of Crypto for Advisors, Dawood Khan from Alix Partners discusses how on-chain analytics bring transparency to blockchain and cryptocurrency transactions.

By Sarah Morton, Dawood KhanNov 16, 2023

Policy

SEC Delays Decision on HashDex Bitcoin Spot ETF Application, Grayscale Ether Futures Filing

Franklin Templeton also has an outstanding bitcoin ETF application with a Nov. 17 decision deadline.

By Nikhilesh DeNov 15, 2023

Markets

Navigating the Next Wave of Crypto Institutionalization: A Due Diligence Primer

As FTX showed, operators in digital asset markets need to improve corporate governance standards. Here are the key components as the industry readies for another possible bull run.

By Kunal BhasinNov 15, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Drops 4% to $35K Despite Soaring Tradfi Markets, But Analysts Remain Optimistic

An unexpected slowdown in inflation sent stock and bond markets sharply higher, but crypto was left out, possibly due to declining enthusiasm about the imminent approval of a spot bitcoin ETF.

By Krisztian SandorNov 14, 2023