The Approval of Bitcoin ETFs can come this week for the crypto market

The crypto market is eagerly awaiting the SEC’s decision on a Bitcoin ETF, which could be a game-changer for the industry. Grayscale Investments CEO Michael Sonnenshein recently hinted at this possibility, while analysts suggested that the approval could come as soon as this week. Bitcoin’s price has been stable around $37,000, reflecting the optimism of the investors.

it's been a ten year dress rehearsal. we're ready for the main event.

— Sonnenshein (@Sonnenshein) November 13, 2023

What is a Bitcoin ETF and why does it matter?

A Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund) is a type of investment product that tracks the price of Bitcoin and allows investors to buy and sell shares of the fund on a regulated stock exchange. Unlike buying Bitcoin directly from a crypto exchange or a wallet, a Bitcoin ETF would offer more convenience, security, and tax efficiency for investors. It would also open the door for more institutional and retail demand, as well as greater regulatory recognition for Bitcoin.

A Bitcoin ETF has been a long-sought goal for the crypto industry, but the SEC has repeatedly rejected or delayed the applications of various issuers, citing concerns over market manipulation, custody, and investor protection. However, the SEC recently approved the first Bitcoin futures ETF, which is based on contracts that bet on the future price of Bitcoin, rather than the actual spot price. This was seen as a positive sign for the prospects of a spot Bitcoin ETF, which is considered more desirable and accurate by many investors.

When will the SEC approve a spot Bitcoin ETF?

According to Bloomberg’s James Seyffart, the SEC could issue crucial 19b-4 approval orders for several spot Bitcoin ETFs this week, which would pave the way for their listing in the US. However, he also cautioned that the actual listing could take longer, as the SEC might impose additional conditions or reviews. He estimated that the earliest date for a spot Bitcoin ETF to go live would be in January 2024.

This is good stuff from Nate. Gonna add a bit of color/detail from my point of view on top.

1. If we are indeed going to see Bitcoin ETF approvals for this wave, I think it's more likely to happen closer to January than this current window. https://t.co/h79vHehstk

— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) November 13, 2023

Seyffart’s analysis is based on the deadlines that the SEC has set for itself to review the pending applications of various ETF issuers, such as VanEck, Valkyrie, and WisdomTree. However, these deadlines are not binding, and the SEC could extend them further or ask for more information from the issuers. The SEC has also been actively engaging with the ETF industry to refine their filings and address their concerns, which could indicate a more favorable attitude towards a spot Bitcoin ETF approval.

How would a spot Bitcoin ETF affect the price of Bitcoin?

The approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF could have a significant impact on the price of Bitcoin, as it would attract more capital inflows and boost the market sentiment. According to K33 Research, a spot Bitcoin ETF could draw over 30,000 BTC within the first 10 trading days, worth nearly $1 billion. This could push the price of Bitcoin above $42,000 within the first 100 days of the approval, representing a 66% increase from the current level.

The research firm based its projection on the historical patterns of inflows and price movements observed for the ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF (BITO) and the Canadian Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC), which were both well-received by the market. The firm also noted that the US market is much larger and more influential than the Canadian market, and that a spot Bitcoin ETF would be more appealing and accurate than a futures-based one.

However, the price impact of a spot Bitcoin ETF could also depend on other factors, such as the supply and demand dynamics of Bitcoin, the regulatory environment, and the competitive landscape of the crypto industry. Therefore, investors should be cautious and do their own research before making any investment decisions.