The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States has decided to postpone its decision on the proposed spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by BlackRock and Fidelity. This recent delay marks another instance in a series of deferrals by the SEC concerning the approval of these cryptocurrency-based financial products.
A Pattern of Postponements
The SEC made its announcement about the delay through separate filings for BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust and Fidelity’s Ethereum Fund on March 4. This follows a previous postponement of BlackRock’s spot ETH ETF application in late January, indicating a pattern of careful consideration by the regulator. Initially, this series of delays began shortly after the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs, highlighting the regulatory body’s cautious approach towards Ethereum ETFs.
The Significance of May’s Deadline
Industry analysts have pinpointed May 23 as a critical date for Ethereum ETFs, particularly focusing on VanEck’s spot ETH ETF application’s final deadline. James Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst, underscored this date as pivotal, with expectations that the SEC’s decision-making process aligns with this timeline.
Despite these regulatory delays, Ethereum’s value has shown remarkable resilience. Over the past month, Ether has surged by 56.7%, with its price reaching $3,754, which represents a 13% increase over the week. This upward trajectory reflects sustained market enthusiasm and optimism for eventual regulatory approval.
Comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs
There’s ongoing debate about the potential impact of Ethereum ETFs versus their Bitcoin counterparts. While Bitcoin ETFs, such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF, have amassed significant assets under management, totaling $10 billion, Ethereum funds are still seen as less significant in comparison. However, the market’s optimistic outlook remains unchanged, fueled by anticipation of regulatory clarity.
The SEC’s cautious stance on Ethereum ETFs has not dampened market optimism. As the agency works through the complexities of approving cryptocurrency-based financial products, the market awaits a decision that could significantly influence the future of Ethereum ETFs and the broader cryptocurrency investment landscape.
No Lawsuit Required for Approval
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, also known as “Crypto Mom,” reassured that asset management firms aiming to launch spot Ether ETFs in the U.S. would not have to resort to legal action against the SEC for approval. Peirce’s comment highlights the SEC’s intention to approach cryptocurrency ETF approvals without necessitating judicial intervention, emphasizing a commitment to fair and rational decision-making processes.
