Spot Bitcoin accepted by the SEC as an Exchange Traded Product

Professor Barbon, the recent decision by the US Security Exchange Commission cleared 11 ETFs for trading . What does this decision mean for investors?

The recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC marks a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency market. This news is widely regarded as a significant step towards the mainstream financial industry's acceptance of cryptocurrencies. This landmark decision not only simplifies public access to Bitcoin investments but also reflects a notable shift in the traditional financial sector's attitude towards cryptocurrencies. It marks a growing acknowledgment of their legitimacy and potential within the financial world, potentially leading to broader adoption and integration of cryptocurrencies in standard investment strategies.

How will this decision effect other cryptocurrencies?

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs may pave the way for similar products on Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. Ethereum, for instance, has witnessed a sharp increase since the SEC's decision, and an overall growth of 15% in the past month.

Will this solidify crypto as a reliable investment on the market?

It's worth considering the potential impact of ETFs on cryptocurrency markets. A well-known study by Franzoni et al. suggests that ETFs can increase the volatility of underlying assets, possibly due to the influx of less experienced investors. Given the inherent volatility of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, we hope that this trend does not exacerbate the market's natural fluctuations.

Was this the goal all along for bitcoin?

Interestingly, Bitcoin was originally conceived as a decentralized currency aimed at circumventing traditional financial intermediaries and ensuring censorship resistance. In contrast, ETFs represent a centralized investment vehicle subject to regulatory oversight. This development may facilitate greater involvement from financial institutions looking to capitalize on the cryptocurrency market.

Who is going to profit the most from this?

ETF issuers will charge management fees based on investors' contributions. However, another group of companies, such as Coinbase and Gemini, will play a crucial role in these spot Bitcoin ETFs. They provide custody services and create/redeem ETF shares. Additionally, JPMorgan, Cantor Fitzgerald, Virtu Financial, and Jane Street are among the multinational financial firms serving as authorized participants (APs). The revenue generated by these service providers will scale with the ETFs' popularity, potentially representing a significant expansion of the market. Brett Tejpaul, head of institutional services at Coinbase, anticipates trillions of dollars flowing into US spot Bitcoin ETFs over time.

Does this make Crypto a more stable investment? Does it or will it change how investors view Crypto as a whole?

The SEC's approval could potentially alter investor perceptions significantly. This decision could enhance the stability and credibility of cryptocurrencies in the eyes of traditional investors. ETFs offer a more familiar and regulated investment pathway, which might attract those previously hesitant to engage directly with the cryptocurrency market due to its volatility and regulatory uncertainties.

However, while this move suggests increased mainstream acceptance and potentially more stability, it's important to remember that cryptocurrencies inherently possess high volatility. The introduction of ETFs might not fully mitigate this characteristic but could lead to a broader investor base, including more institutional investors, which in turn might contribute to market maturation.

Overall, the approval of Bitcoin ETFs could mark a pivotal shift in how cryptocurrencies are viewed, gradually moving them from niche investments to more widely recognized and potentially integral components of diversified investment portfolios.

Andrea Barbon is assistant professor at the FSI Center of the University of St.Gallen, with a focus on financial technology, monetary policy, and asset pricing.

Image: Adobe Stock / sizsus