VanEck's Filing Hints at Imminent Launch of Spot Ethereum ETFs
A recent regulatory filing by VanEck suggests that the launch of U.S. Ethereum ETFs could be just a week away. VanEck, an $89 billion investment manager, submitted an 8-A form for its VanEck Ethereum Trust on Tuesday, a necessary step for issuing certain types of securities on national exchanges.
Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted that VanEck filed an 8-A form for its Bitcoin spot ETF exactly seven days before it launched on January 11. This pattern has led Balchunas to speculate that the Ethereum ETF could see a similar timeline, potentially launching by July 2. "Good sign for our July 2nd over/under (7 days from now)," Balchunas noted, while also cautioning that anything is possible.
This situation differs slightly from January's Bitcoin ETF launch, which was surrounded by uncertainty about regulatory approval. In contrast, Ethereum ETFs have already received the green light to list on national securities exchanges. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently reviewing individual applicants' S-1 applications, making the approval of Ethereum ETFs a matter of "when" rather than "if." SEC Chairman Gary Gensler confirmed this month that Ethereum ETFs are expected to be approved "over the course of this summer."
Several signs indicate that Ethereum ETF sponsors are gearing up for an imminent launch. Bitwise has begun airing multiple television ads promoting Ethereum's advantages over traditional financial systems. Meanwhile, VanEck and Franklin Templeton have already disclosed their funds' management fees, a detail often kept confidential until the last moment to avoid tipping off competitors.