Ethereum (ETH) vs Bitcoin (BTC): Key Differences in ETF Approval Processes Explained.
As the wave of crypto adoption continues to grow, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for #Ethereum (ETH). This approval occurred on May 23 and follows the SEC's approval of #Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs on January 11. However, a closer examination of the approval processes of these two major cryptocurrencies reveals significant differences.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs were unanimously approved by the SEC's five-member committee, including chairman Gary Gensler; spot Ether ETFs are approved by the SEC's Trading and Markets Division. This contradiction raises a critical question: Why didn't SEC Chairman Gary Gensler vote for the ETH ETF? Does he still view Ether as a security rather than a commodity?
As expected, speculation continues regarding Gensler's voting approach during the BTC ETF approval and his absence from the ETH #ETF vote. Anti-crypto positions suggest that it supports neither Bitcoin nor Ethereum. This sentiment is echoed in his recent statement “Crypto is a small part of our overall markets, but it is a disproportionate part in terms of the scams and problems in our markets.” It also resonated with his statement.
The SEC's approval of spot Ethereum ETFs marks a major milestone in the crypto market; but it also reveals the internal dynamics and complexities of regulatory institutions. While the approval demonstrates growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, the different processes of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs raise important questions about the future regulatory landscape. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders will carefully monitor potential developments and review requests from the SEC Commissioners.
