US Crypto Revival: ETH ETF Approval Nears, Coinbase Futures Greenlit
Coinbase receives approval for futures trading in the US and the SEC is considering approving an Ethereum ETF, signaling progress in the crypto industry.
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Posted 8/20/2023, 9:15:26 PM
cryptobriefing.com
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Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is acquiring a minority stake in Circle Internet Financial, dissolving their partnership and bringing the stablecoin USD Coin fully in-house, while also adding native support for USDC on six additional blockchains, bringing the total to 15.
Coinbase may be misrepresenting itself as an exchange and could be violating state money transmitter licenses, according to allegations made by ChainArgos' CEO and General Counsel. The company argues that Coinbase is legally an over-the-counter (OTC) broker rather than an exchange operator, and it may be in violation of its licenses with its Ethereum platform, Base.
Coinbase is in talks with major Canadian banks to gain support for the crypto industry in Canada as it faces regulatory uncertainty in its home country, aiming to have the banks participate in the crypto economy in the near future.
Investment firms ARK Invest and 21Shares have applied for two Ethereum futures exchange-traded funds following reports that the SEC may approve such applications, with one fund focused solely on Ethereum futures and the other including both Bitcoin and Ethereum futures.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission is seeing a surge in proposals for crypto ETFs, including spot bitcoin ETFs and ether futures ETFs, which could have significant impacts on the adoption of cryptocurrencies, market moves, and the potential outperformance of various tokens.
Brazilian crypto asset management firm, Hashdex, has submitted an application to the SEC for approval to operate a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) using spot Bitcoin acquired within the regulated CME market, in contrast to other firms' strategies of surveillance-sharing agreements with Coinbase, which it claims may not address the SEC's concerns.
Bloomberg ETF analysts have increased the probability of an approved spot Bitcoin ETF by the end of 2023 to 75% following a recent Grayscale victory against the SEC, with approvals estimated to reach 95% by Q4 2024, making a denial politically untenable.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may prepare alternative arguments to reject spot bitcoin exchange-traded-fund (ETF) applications despite a recent court ruling favoring Grayscale's attempt to convert the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF, according to German investment bank Berenberg. However, the victory for Grayscale potentially increases the chances of the SEC approving one or more spot bitcoin ETF applications, which could have a significant impact on the crypto industry by providing institutional investors with easier market access.
Former SEC chair Jay Clayton believes that the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is inevitable, as major financial institutions backing BTC investment vehicles represent a shift in how retail investors can access crypto. The SEC has 45 days to approve, deny, or delay ETF applications from 7 major firms.
Approval of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States could have a severe impact on major cryptocurrency exchanges, with ETFs offering advantages such as lower fees and the handling of digital assets and tax efficiency for consumers, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.
Asset managers ARK Invest and 21Shares have applied for regulatory approval for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that would directly hold ether (ETH), the second largest cryptocurrency, with custody provided by Coinbase Custody Trust Company.
A Bitcoin ETF is likely to be approved in the US by the end of 2023, with recent developments indicating increased prospects of approval, potentially revitalizing Bitcoin and lifting the crypto market out of its bearish state.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discusses the company's base layer 2 blockchain network, interest in flatcoin, and the need for regulatory clarity in the crypto industry, suggesting that the courts, congress, and the CFTC could provide clarity and that there could be a new SEC chair in 2024.
The lack of clear crypto regulations in the US has caused significant issues for the industry, leading to collapses and a weakening of America's position as a financial hub, according to Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. He emphasizes the need for clear rules that recognize the innovation potential of the technology while protecting consumers. Armstrong also highlights the potential benefits of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Coinbase's role as custodian in many ETF applications.
The market is underestimating the potential impact and value of Spot Bitcoin ETFs, with analysts arguing that approval would lead to significant financial inflows and buying pressure, and that it is a good time to enter the market and start building a crypto portfolio, despite regulatory challenges. Ethereum could also benefit from a futures-based ETF listing, but there is caution about the SEC potentially classifying ETH as a security. Overall, the global crypto adoption is dependent on market maturity, regulatory intervention, and consistent long-term adoption.
Crypto exchange Coinbase has confirmed its decision to integrate the Lightning Network, a layer 2 payment protocol, in order to enable faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions and compete against newer cryptocurrency projects.
The Nasdaq stock exchange has applied to the SEC to list an Ethereum ETF offered by Hashdex, which includes a combination of spot ether holdings and futures contracts, pioneering a new approach to cryptocurrency investment under the regulatory framework.