The anticipation is palpable among Ethereum ETF candidates eagerly awaiting approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The exact timeline for the launch of US spot Ethereum ETFs remains unclear, but the process appears to be in its final stages.
Last week, issuers filed changes to their ETH ETF registration statements in response to the SEC's proposed regulations. This follows the SEC's formal approval last month of 19b-4 proposals from exchanges where ETH funds will be listed.
The SEC works closely with issuers on registration statements, also known as S-1s. Completing this process, which culminates in the SEC allowing these filings to go into effect, is the final hurdle before these ETH ETFs begin trading. These ETFs are the first of their kind in the US.
The latest round of S-1 revisions was reported to be “mild,” leading to speculation that the SEC could contact issuers “at any point” with a launch date for the funds. A source close to the filings said issuers expect little additional comment from the SEC.
“The ball is in their court,” the source said, adding: “We don't really have any expectations because it's completely up to them now, but we're on edge. They can move as fast or slow as they want.”
Although issuers have not yet received additional comments from the SEC after the final S-1 issuances, at least one more round can be expected. “The timeline for launch is unclear, but we reasonably expect it to be within the next two to three weeks,” said a second source familiar with the ETH ETF filings.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Balchunas had suggested a scenario in which the regulator allows S-1s to take effect before the July 4 holiday. Pointing out that VanEck's 8-A for the spot Bitcoin ETF in January was approved seven days before the fund was launched, he said his prediction could come true.
However, a third source familiar with the applications said an approval before July 4 appeared unlikely at this time. While the cryptocurrency community waits with bated breath, the final decision rests with the SEC.
*This is not investment advice.