Crypto investors have high expectations for 2024, with many developments justifying their optimism. The coming year is pregnant with significant events ranging from interest rate cuts to the halving of block rewards. When we add regulations, ETF approvals, the increase in institutional demand, the enthusiasm in the RWA space, and many others, it should not be surprising to see new peaks in December.
Bitcoin Heats Up with Anticipated Developments
Spot Bitcoin ETF approval expectations are centered around the dates of January 9-10. As these dates approach, an increase in market appetite is expected. This has been one of the primary reasons for the ongoing rally in recent weeks.
Bitwise recently made some changes to its S-1, or prospectus filing. This was announced by Bloomberg ETF analyst James. We had said that such changes reflect the strong communication between potential issuers and the SEC, suggesting we might be getting closer to approval news every day. James wrote the following:
“Second S-1 amendment in the Spot Bitcoin ETF application. Discussions between the SEC and potential issuers are ongoing. This confirms what was announced by Eric today. Conversations are continuing behind the scenes.”
Eric Balchunas wrote today:
“We expect updated S-1 filings this week (responding to the second round of comments we heard are comprehensive and final from the SEC). However… we won’t see the updated 19b-4 filings right now as the SEC has asked issuers to send them back offline for the time being. They will likely be refiled just before the approval date.
The big question everyone is curious about is whether the SEC will allow in-kind creations. Rumors suggest that only cash creations will be permitted in the first batch. Many issuers are ready for both (if BlackRock wins the SEC, most will do in-kind. If not, they’ll just do cash for the exit).
Finally, the other big unknown is whether the Grayscale (GBTC) will be allowed immediate ETF conversion. And no one really knows anything or has any information on this… That’s all for now.”
Eric shared his insights and expectations, with the only thing seeming certain now not being whether the Spot Bitcoin ETF will be approved, but when.
