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.

Opinion

Bitcoin ETFs: A Surge of Fresh Capital or Speculation From Crypto Insiders?

How capital from BTC ETFs, if and when approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, will eventually trickle down.

By Juan David Mendieta VillegaNov 7, 2023

Policy

Hong Kong Now Considering Spot Crypto ETFs for Retail Investors: Bloomberg

The move comes a month after authorities in the City updated financial regulations to allow for retail investors to buy spot crypto ETFs.

By Sam ReynoldsNov 6, 2023

Markets

What Happens to Bitcoin Price if Spot ETF Isn’t Approved?

Bitcoin's recent strong performance at least in part is due to optimism regarding the imminent launch of multiple spot ETF products.

By Lyllah LedesmaNov 3, 2023

Policy

Will Hashdex's 'Undeniable' Distinctions Help Win Bitcoin ETF Race? Some Analysts Think So

Hashdex's decision to use CME, a regulated exchange, per the SEC's requirement of a surveillance-sharing agreement (SSA), might set it apart from the group.

By Amitoj SinghNov 2, 2023

Chair Gary Gensler's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is weighing Hashdex's ETF application, which analysts suggest could have a leg up because of its novel approach. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Finance

Crypto for Advisors: Opinion: Direct Crypto Ownership Is Best

In this week's issue of Crypto for Advisors, learn why direct ownership of crypto may be in the best interest of the client.

By Sarah Morton, Chris KingNov 2, 2023

Finance

BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF Might Have Trading Support of Heavyweights Like Jane Street, Jump and Virtu: Source

Amid the crypto crackdown, a BTC ETF, if approved, would open a new pathway for U.S.-based firms to get a piece of the crypto action – in a way that plays to their conventional strengths.

By Ian AllisonOct 31, 2023

Podcasts

How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection

By Laura ShinOct 27, 2023

Jeremy Allaire on Circle's ‘Multi-Decade’ Strategy and Where Stablecoin Regulation Is Headed

Markets

Bitcoin Primed for 'Supply Shock' as Exchange Balance Drops to 5-Year Low, Analyst Says

A spot ETF approval could fundamentally alter bitcoin's supply and demand dynamics as professional investors would allocate to BTC as an uncorrelated asset, Forex.com's Matt Weller told CoinDesk TV.

By Krisztian SandorOct 26, 2023

Bitcoin balance on exchanges (Glassnode)

Finance

Crypto for Advisors: ETH Futures ETFs and What’s Next

Today in Crypto for Advisors Roxanna Islam from VettaFi discusses the current crypto ETF market with a focus on Eth futures performance.

By Sarah Morton, Roxanna IslamOct 26, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Is Up 100% This Year. It's Not Just Because of Spot BTC ETF Hype

While most observers tie bitcoin's recent strength to the anticipation of a spot ETF approval, some analysts offer alternative explanations to the crypto's rise.

By Krisztian SandorOct 25, 2023