US SEC to Decide on Two Spot Bitcoin ETFs by Nov. 17

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is scheduled to announce its decisions on two Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by Nov.17, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

Okay, we’re nearing in on deadline dates for 3 spot #Bitcoin ETF applications. I want to get ahead of it because there’s a pretty good chance we’ll see delay orders from the SEC. Delays WOULD NOT change anything about our views & 90% odds for 19b-4 approval by Jan 10, 2024 pic.twitter.com/LE7sOlHAHM

— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) November 14, 2023

The two ETFs, Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI) and Franklin Bitcoin ETF, both have a first decision deadline on Nov. 17, 2023, and a second decision deadline on Jan. 1, 2024. As the dates listed represent the final dates of decision, the SEC may release the results prior to the deadlines.

The Hashdex Bitcoin ETF began trading in Sep. 2022. Unlike derivatives-backed ETFs, DEFI was filed under the Securities Act of 1933 instead of the Investment Company Act of 1940. While the SEC Chair Gary Gensler has expressed its preference for Act of 1940 for its greater investor protections, the potential approval of DEFI could advance the progress of similar cases.

According to Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, the launch of the Hashdex Bitcoin ETF “bolsters the case for a spot Bitcoin ETF since it’s utilizing the exact same fund structure.” Geraci still believed that “a spot product simply won’t be approved until the SEC has regulatory oversight of crypto exchanges.”

It is also indicated that another Bitcoin ETF, the application refiled by Global X with Coinbase as “surveillance-sharing” partner, will receive its decision by Nov. 21.