Fidelity leads flurry of bitcoin ETF refilings to answer SEC questions

Fidelity leads flurry of bitcoin ETF refilings to answer SEC questions
All five of the refiled applications indicated that Coinbase will provide market surveillance for their funds, a fact that wasn't included in previous iterations.
JUL 03, 2023
By  Bloomberg

In a flurry of Friday afternoon activity, Fidelity Investments led a handful of firms that filed a fresh set of applications for a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund to add new details after the Securities and Exchange Commission indicated that the initial filings were insufficient.

The companies — which also include Invesco, VanEck, 21Shares and WisdomTree — are among eight that are seeking to launch what would be an initial crop of U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock Inc. set off the wave with its surprise filing for such a fund in mid-June. 

All of the five that refiled Friday indicated that Coinbase Global Inc. will provide market surveillance in support of their funds, a fact that wasn’t included in previous iterations. 

Crypto market surveillance may be key to gaining SEC approval for a spot bitcoin ETF. The surveillance can dramatically reduce fraud and market manipulation, which were top reasons the agency rejected around 30 spot bitcoin ETF applications to date.

Coinbase is also in line to provide various services for the other proposed fund issuers, according to a person familiar with the matter who wasn’t authorized to speak about the deals publicly. Besides BlackRock, these companies include Valkyrie and Bitwise. In a recent filing, 21Shares said Coinbase would provide custody services as well. The other issuers declined to confirm whether Coinbase would be involved.

Fans of digital assets are excited about the prospect of crypto potentially becoming more easily accessible to everyday investors, and the wave of filings has been a boon for token prices. Bitcoin jumped back above $30,000 in June and is trading at its highest levels in about a year. The token on Friday traded at around $30,400. That’s still less than half the record of almost $69,000 reached in November 2021. 

To be sure, rule filings aren’t effective until approved by the SEC. 

Coinbase’s involvement with the proposed ETFs could mean a revenue influx at a time when the crypto-exchange industry is suffering from low volumes. Coinbase’s revenue last year was less than half of 2021, when the industry was in a bull market. The news also comes during its battle with the SEC, which accused Coinbase of running an illegal exchange.

Following BlackRock’s filing for the ETF in mid-June, seven other firms filed or refiled for spot ETFs amid market optimism that the SEC would reverse its long-standing view that the funds shouldn’t be allowed. In evidence of a partial thaw, the agency did allow ETFs tied to bitcoin futures in 2021.

Why alternative assets belong in retirement accounts

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.