The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is holding crucial meetings today with major stock exchanges, including the Nasdaq, CBOE and NYSE. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss and finalize details on Forms 19b-4s filed by issuers of Bitcoin (BTC) Spot ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), according to information from Fox Business’s Eleanor Terrett.
The meeting is particularly important as it coincides with Bitcoin’s 15th anniversary. The symbolic date could become even more momentous if the SEC decides today to approve ETFs, a move that many in the financial industry see as a milestone for the legitimacy and institutional acceptance of digital currencies.
🚨SCOOP: The @SECGov is holding meetings today with the exchanges (@Nasdaq, @CBOE, @NYSE) to conclude comments on the 19b-4s submitted by the $BTC Spot ETF Issuers.
—Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) January 3, 2024
ETF approval imminent
Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas expressed optimism about the possibility of approval for Bitcoin ETFs. He noted that holding such meetings is a positive sign, suggesting that the SEC would not invest time and resources in detailed discussions if its intention had been to simply deny approvals.
Additionally, Balchunas pointed out that the updated Form 19b-4s is an indication that the SEC is actively working with issuers to refine their proposals, a typical procedure before final approval.
“Things you probably won’t do if you deny or procrastinate”, said Balchunas, and added: “Besides, if we hear something similar… if we see updated (final) 19b-4s coming in, that’s a sign that approval is imminent, as the SEC has done with offline issuers to perfect their 19b-4s.”
Things you probably won’t do if you deny or procrastinate. I hear the same thing btw, and why if we see updated (final) 19b-4s coming in, sign approval is imminent as SEC has been doing back and forth with issuers offline to perfect their 19b-4s versus numerous rewrites a la S-1s https //t.co/1K0tUYD4xa
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) January 3, 2024
SEC approval of Bitcoin ETFs would mark a significant step forward for the cryptocurrency sector. So far, the commission has been cautious in its approach to financial products based on digital assets, citing concerns about market volatility, the potential for manipulation and the need to protect investors.
The favorable ruling would open the door for greater institutional adoption of Bitcoin and set a precedent for future financial products based on other cryptocurrencies.
Market participants are eagerly awaiting the outcome of today’s meetings. If approved, Bitcoin ETFs could start trading as early as next week, marking a new chapter in the history of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general.
The potential approval comes at a crucial time for the industry, which is seeking greater acceptance and integration into traditional financial markets.
As we wait for the conclusion of the meetings and the official announcement from the SEC, sentiment in the market is optimistic. An approval today would be a birthday present for Bitcoin investors and a sign of significant progress for the financial world, which continues to evolve with the integration of new technologies and assets.
Source: Live Coins
Barry Siefert is an accomplished journalist and author at The Nation View. He is known for his expertise in the field of cryptocurrency, and has written extensively on the topic. With a background in finance and economics, Barry has a deep understanding of the underlying technology and market forces that drive the crypto industry.
