The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has again pushed off a ruling on a lot of spot Ethereum EFT applications. The authorities have set a new completion date for May 2024 to finish their assessment of the bid by Ark Invest. Meanwhile, some other big companies, such as BlackRock and Fidelity, have been facing the same problem. Such delays not only fill the air with uncertainty around the probability of regulatory approval but cause doubt as well.
It is to be noted that last week, the SEC postponed its decision on the admission of Franklin Templeton‘s Ethereum ETF to June 11, 2024. Also, the SEC asked for public remarks on its recent modifications to the BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust application. The regulator’s caution about the cryptocurrency sector is reflected by its continuing postponement.
The story is still alive, making the broadcasting of potential recoil attempted by market participants a sure thing. The SEC’s rigorous examination process is probably due to its aim in classifying Ethereum as a security. A potential explanation is that it might have a huge influence on the evaluation process for any new Ethereum ETF projects.
Justin Sun questions May Ethereum ETF approval
Justin Sun, the CEO of Tron, says that he would be against the Ethereum ETF getting approval. He tweeted on X to point out that a direct approval of crypto was quite unpredictable in May, as has been presumed. Regarding the regulators’ awareness, Sun spotlights the lack of crypto space education, saying that the misunderstanding is what seems in control due to this.
My honest opinion (NFA) is that an Ethereum ETF won't be approved in May. The crypto industry still needs to prepare for a long-term education with regulators, focusing on helping them understand crypto. But we've always been here, haven't we?
— H.E. Justin Sun 孙宇晨 (@justinsuntron) April 28, 2024
In the crypto sphere, the general opinion has now tipped over into skepticism about the approval of such ETFs. Recent interactions between the ETF issuers and the SEC have felt quite unfriendly, and it cannot be said for sure if the ETFs will be allowed or not. The Industry players are gearing up to hold an application rejection, indicative of an increased animosity towards the regulator.
Such a long application process makes sense not only for the applicants but also for the activity of the whole market, which broadcasts the crypto industry’s future in the regulated financial markets. These decisions even impact investment strategies and market stability, which is highly anticipated.
Crypto ETF approval could signal market shift
In spite of the challenges, the quest for a spot on the Ethereum ETF threshold still bids strongly among investors and enterprises. These ETFs, which will finally create the connection between cryptocurrencies and conventional financial goods, are considered to be a great advancement. Realizing this will make investments much more sophisticated and, therefore, safer in the crypto markets.
The SEC’s request for more public responses to BlackRock’s proposed updates to the ETF application hints that the regulatory approach is secure yet waiting. Ultimately, this step will yield well-informed and possibly beneficial regulations, but first, those who operate in the crypto field have to be patient and proactively involved.
It is unclear what action the SEC will take as the deadline draws near, but many voices will be waiting to see its verdict. If the ETF gets approved, the American regulator will have a more progressive attitude towards cryptocurrencies. In turn, this may, in the near future, contemplate the proposal of other crypto-financial instruments, or just the opposite—mean a tougher screening from the U.S. regulator.
