SEC Approval of Bitcoin ETFs: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest directly in Bitcoin. This decision is significant for the digital-asset sector, particularly for Bitcoin, as it opens up broader access to the cryptocurrency on Wall Street and beyond.
A Shift in SEC's Stance: The approval marks a change in the SEC's long-standing opposition to Bitcoin ETFs. This opposition had been in place for over a decade since the Winklevoss twins first proposed a Bitcoin ETF in 2013. Factors such as BlackRock Inc.'s application and a court ruling against the SEC's previous denial contributed to this policy shift.
Implications for the Crypto Industry: The approval of Bitcoin ETFs is seen as a milestone for the cryptocurrency industry, suggesting increased maturity and closer alignment with the regulated world of traditional finance. It follows a series of events, including the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX empire, which highlighted risks in the crypto industry. The decision may lead to greater investor confidence and integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial services.
Price is roughly unchanged at $46.2k at the time of print.