Grayscale CEO Calls for Simultaneous Approval of Spot-Bitcoin ETFs, Navigating Regulatory Landscape Amid Industry Pivotal Moment
According to Grayscale's CEO, Michael Sonnenshein, he advocates for the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve multiple spot-Bitcoin ETFs simultaneously, emphasizing the need for an equitable market. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Sonnenshein expressed Grayscale's public support for coordinated approvals when the SEC is ready to authorize spot products. Grayscale is prepared to list its product, GBTC, as an ETF and commits to reducing its fee upon ETF trading commencement, with the current expense ratio at 2%.
Having secured a significant ruling against the SEC earlier in the year in its bid to convert the trust into an ETF, Grayscale is now navigating the landscape alongside over 10 other companies seeking to launch spot-Bitcoin ETFs. Sonnenshein highlights the potential disadvantage to GBTC investors if the SEC allows other ETFs to launch ahead of theirs.
The Bitcoin ETF race, spanning more than a decade, may witness resolution in the next few weeks, with a critical deadline in early January requiring regulatory decisions on applications, including those from ARK and 21Shares. Analysts anticipate that approval for these entities could pave the way for others.
A current challenge in the ETF landscape revolves around deciding between in-kind and cash redemptions for funds. Grayscale supports in-kind redemptions, where underlying securities are exchanged with a market maker, emphasizing its effectiveness in protecting investors, maintaining tight spreads, and creating liquidity. Regulatory concerns about broker-dealers handling Bitcoin have led issuers to address this issue, aligning with Grayscale's position as the industry approaches a pivotal moment in the introduction of spot-Bitcoin ETFs.