BlackRock Modifies Ethereum ETF Application; Bloomberg’s Balchunas Anticipates ETF Launch by June
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas has described the updated S-1 filing as a "positive sign," suggesting that an Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) launch by the end of June is a "credible possibility." BlackRock, which recently became the largest publicly traded Bitcoin fund, has filed an amended S-1 form for its proposed spot Ether ETF. The updated filing provides additional details about the product, which has already received approval for listing in the U.S.
According to the S-1 form, a "Seed Capital Investor" affiliated with BlackRock purchased the initial shares for the proposed Ether ETF. On May 21, 2024, this investor acquired the Seed Creation Baskets, consisting of 400,000 shares priced at $25.00 per share. The net asset value of the Trust was reported as $10,000,000.
Pending regulatory approval, investors in the ETF will have the option to redeem their holdings for cash or Ether. The iShares Ethereum Trust Ether ETF will trade under the ticker symbol "ETHA."
Eric Balchunas tweeted about the development, expressing optimism about the ETF's launch. He expects further updates and fine-tuning comments from staff before the end of June, although he maintains a conservative over-under date of July 4th.
The updated S-1 filing follows the Securities and Exchange Commission's recent approval of several Ether ETFs for listing in the U.S., contributing to bullish sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market. BlackRock's successful Bitcoin ETF, which surpassed Grayscale in assets under management, underscores the company's growing presence in the digital asset space. Since its launch in January, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has attracted over $16 billion in net inflows, with significant investments from state pension funds.
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