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

Crypto ETF Opportunity Doesn't Stop at Bitcoin, Extends Into Multiple Digital Assets: Bernstein

The industry push for an ether spot ETF will follow immediately after a bitcoin ETF approval since ETH has a similar market structure of a traded CME futures market and a spot market, the report said.

By Will CannySep 4, 2023

Sign saying fee area ahead on a background of desert shrubland

Policy

SEC Delays Spot Bitcoin ETF Decision for All Applicants Including BlackRock, Fidelity

The regulator has now announced delays for all six of the new ETF applications.

By Nikhilesh DeAug 31, 2023

Opinion

Bitcoin ETF Applications Are Bitcoin's Best Marketing Strategy

With the recent Grayscale win over SEC stonewalling, it seems like spot market BTC exchange-traded funds may be soon approved. Here's why that matters.

By Tim HaldorssonAug 31, 2023

Bitcoin ETFs are a flashbulb moment for Wall Street on the importance of global money. (Jack Carter/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

SEC Could Prepare Alternative Arguments to Reject Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Berenberg

Coinbase’s potential involvement in spot bitcoin ETFs could serve as part of the SEC’s reconfigured arguments for rejecting the applications, the report said.

By Will CannyAug 31, 2023

Opinion

The Real Reasons the Grayscale Bitcoin ETF Decision Matters

The U.S. Court of Appeals, in rebuking the securities watchdog, shows that Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler won’t get the last word on crypto.

By Daniel KuhnAug 29, 2023

(Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Arca’s Jeff Dorman: Market’s Fixation on Bitcoin ETF is Because 2023 is Boring

There hasn't been much to sink your teeth into as a digital asset investor this year, said Arca's chief investment officer.

By Sam ReynoldsAug 29, 2023

Policy

SEC Must Review Grayscale's Bitcoin ETF Bid After Previous Rejection, Appeals Court Rules

A federal appeals court ordered the SEC to "vacate" its rejection of the trust issuer's bid to convert the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an exchange-traded fund.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Nikhilesh DeAug 29, 2023

CoinDesk Indices

In Canada, Spot Bitcoin ETFs Have Been Working for Years

Gorast Tasevski and Haan Palcu-Chang of Purpose Investments share thoughts about bitcoin ETFs – and Canada.

By Gorast Tasevski, Haan Palcu-ChangAug 16, 2023

Finance

Europe's First Spot Bitcoin ETF Lists in Amsterdam

Jacobi first won approval for the fund in October 2021 with plans to list it in 2022. However the firm opted to push back its plans due to inopportune circumstances elsewhere in the digital asset market.

By Jamie CrawleyAug 15, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Spot ETF Approval Could Help Power up a New Crypto Cycle: Bernstein

New capital will enter the market from fresh stablecoin supply, tokenization of traditional assets, native crypto infrastructure tokenization and ETFs, the report said.

By Will CannyAug 14, 2023