- The SEC has tightened its stance, shaking up the Bitcoin ETF race.
- BlackRock’s hybrid redemption model has met resistance from the SEC.
- Market concerns have driven major players to adopt the SEC’s preferred ETF approach.
As the race for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) intensifies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made its stance clear: only cash redemption models will be considered for spot Bitcoin ETFs. This decision comes as ETF applicants like Invesco and Galaxy Digital have recently adopted cash creation and redemption models for their respective ETFs.
New SEC Filings Reveal a Cash-Centric Approach for ETFs
Their updated S-1 filings with the SEC state that “creation and redemption transactions will take place initially in cash.” The SEC’s preference for a cash redemption model stems from concerns over potential market manipulation and arbitrage opportunities associated with in-kind redemptions.
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The cash creation model involves authorized participants depositing cash equivalent to the net asset value of the creation units. The fund then uses this cash to purchase the underlying asset, such as Bitcoin. In contrast, the in-kind creation model allows participants to deposit a basket of securities that match the ETF’s portfolio, eliminating the need for the fund to sell the securities for cash immediately.
BlackRock’s Hybrid Redemption Model Won’t Be Reviewed
Despite the SEC’s stance, BlackRock has been advocating for a hybrid in-kind model, which combines elements of both cash and in-kind redemptions. However, Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas believes the SEC’s recent actions indicate a firm commitment to cash-created ETFs.
Bitwise, another ETF applicant, supports this view and has shifted towards a cash-only creation and redemption model. Bitwise initially had both in-kind and cash options in their filings but has since opted for a fully cash-based approach.
On the Flipside
- The SEC’s insistence on cash redemption models for Bitcoin ETFs might limit market innovation by excluding potentially diverse investment methods.
- A strict preference for cash redemption could hinder the flexibility of ETF structures and their adaptation to changing market dynamics.
- While the SEC maintains that only cash redemption will be reviewed, this doesn’t guarantee acceptance for companies filing for an ETF with this cash redemption system.
Why This Matters
The SEC’s insistence on cash redemption for Bitcoin ETFs marks a pivotal regulatory stance, impacting major players like Invesco and Galaxy Digital. This shift signals a definitive move toward solidifying the operational structure of these investment vehicles, potentially setting a template for future ETFs and influencing market strategies.
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To learn more about Bitcoin’s end-of-year outlook and its impact, read here:
DailyCoin Bitcoin Regular: BTC Looks to Close Out the Year Strong
To delve into Ripple and BIS’s ambitious plans for the $7.5 trillion forex market transformation, check out:
Ripple and BIS Aim to Transform $7.5 Trillion Forex Market
