Steven McClurg, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Valkyrie Investments, has stated that he believes the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) by the end of this month. McClurg is optimistic because he believes that applicants have adequately addressed concerns regarding potential fraud and market manipulation, which have been the main obstacles for SEC approval. He expects that the SEC will request further comments from the applicants before granting approval.

In the event of approval in November, McClurg suggests that a February launch for the ETF is possible.

Approval Expectations for Other Bitcoin ETF Applicants

Valkyrie, along with other firms like BlackRock and Grayscale, has submitted applications to the SEC for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The SEC is currently reviewing these applications and has been in communication with the applicants to address concerns such as risk disclosure, computation of Net Asset Value (NAV), and environmental risk inclusions. Some applicants, including BlackRock and VanEck, have made amendments to their proposals to accommodate the SEC’s concerns.

However, Matt Hougan, the CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, cautions that experts are still uncertain about the approval. Market manipulation and custody remain potential stumbling blocks, and there is still work to be done to address these concerns.

Speculations about the Future of the Bitcoin Market

There are various speculations about the impact of a Bitcoin ETF approval by the SEC. McClurg predicts that the spot BTC ETF market could attract $10 billion within the first two months of its launch, while Hougan foresees $50 billion in five years. MicroStrategy’s Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Michael Saylor, anticipates a 10x increase in Bitcoin’s value following the approval. Additionally, Bernstein Research has forecasted that if the SEC approves a spot Bitcoin ETF, Bitcoin could rise to $150,000 by 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?

A spot Bitcoin ETF is an investment vehicle that allows investors to buy shares in a trust, which holds Bitcoin directly. It differs from futures-based ETFs, which derive their value from Bitcoin futures contracts.

Why hasn’t the SEC approved a Bitcoin ETF yet?

The SEC has cited concerns about potential fraud and market manipulation as the main reasons for not approving a Bitcoin ETF. The agency wants to ensure that proper safeguards are in place to protect investors.

What are the benefits of a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF would provide a regulated and accessible way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without needing to directly own and manage the cryptocurrency. It could also increase liquidity in the Bitcoin market and attract institutional investors.

When will the SEC make a decision on Bitcoin ETF applications?

While there is optimism about an approval this month, the exact timeline for the SEC’s decision-making process is uncertain. The agency thoroughly reviews applications and takes the necessary time to address any concerns before granting approval.

What impact could a Bitcoin ETF have on the price of Bitcoin?

Speculations about the impact of a Bitcoin ETF approval on the price of Bitcoin vary. Some believe that it could lead to a significant increase in demand and therefore drive up the price, while others think that the impact may be more gradual over time as more investors enter the market.

Sources: ETF.com