Ether ETF approval could be sooner than you think

Ether ETF approval could be sooner than you think
SEC chair hints at a possible timetable for new crypto funds.
JUN 14, 2024

Final approval of exchange-traded funds linked to Ether, the world’s second-most popular digital asset, could come during the summer, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler told lawmakers. 

“Individual issuers are still working through the registration process that’s working smoothly,” Gensler said during a Thursday hearing before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

Gensler’s remarks are yet another indication that the much-awaited launch of Ether ETFs could be getting closer. The SEC approved an initial round of applications last month from several exchanges to trade the products. 

Ultimate approval of the handful of issuer registration statements depends on the quality of disclosures to investors. The process is being handled at the staff level, he said. The agency cleared the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January.

Gensler was responding to questions from Senator Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. “Ether needs to be approved as well, completely,” Hagerty said of the ETF applications. 

Fund managers at companies including VanEck Associates, ARK Investment Management, BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments would still need the SEC’s assent to make the new asset class a reality. 

Latest News

RIA dealmaking accelerates as three firms hit AUM milestones
RIA dealmaking accelerates as three firms hit AUM milestones

Wealth Consulting Group, Coastline and Maridea report fresh capital, acquisitions and asset growth as advisor M&A keeps climbing

VastAdvisor closes $1 million SAFE round from advisor-side backers
VastAdvisor closes $1 million SAFE round from advisor-side backers

Carson Group's Dani Fava, Jason Pereira of Woodgate Financial, and Sally George of Convergency Partners led the raise as the growth-tech startup builds out its AI platform and leadership bench.

Wells Fargo adds three advisor practices as recruiting rebound continues
Wells Fargo adds three advisor practices as recruiting rebound continues

New teams from William Blair, Ameriprise and UBS bring more than $560 million in combined client assets to the firm's employee and independent channels.

UBS will pay advisors 'handsomely' for banking starting next year
UBS will pay advisors 'handsomely' for banking starting next year

Regulators this year approved UBS Bank USA’s conversion to a nationally chartered bank.

SEC accuses Tricolor executives of hiding $800 million collateral hole
SEC accuses Tricolor executives of hiding $800 million collateral hole

How a subprime lender’s car-loan bonds allegedly unraveled before bankruptcy.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income