SEC Chair Gensler Wishes Bitcoin White Paper Anniversary

SEC Chair Gensler on Bitcoin’s White Paper Anniversary
The Quest for a Spot Bitcoin ETF

SEC Chair Gensler on Bitcoin’s White Paper Anniversary

Acknowledging a Milestone

Gary Gensler, the Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), acknowledged the 15th anniversary of Bitcoin’s white paper in a noteworthy display of recognition. In his commemorative message, Gensler blended playful sentiment with a serious warning for the crypto industry.

A Celebratory Message

Gensler took to the social media platform X to celebrate this significant milestone. On a Tuesday, he shared his sentiments with the online community, writing, “Happy 15th anniversary to Satoshi’s famous white paper that set the stage for the world of cryptocurrency.

If Satoshi Nakamoto went as Satoshi Nakamoto for Halloween, would we be able to tell?

Happy 15th anniversary to Satoshi’s famous white paper that started crypto.

Any crypto companies that are tricking investors should start treating them to compliance with the securities laws.
— Gary Gensler (@GaryGensler) October 31, 2023

A Playful Touch

While celebrating the moment, Gensler couldn’t resist a touch of humor. He mused about the enigmatic Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, and posed a lighthearted question: Would anyone be able to discern if Satoshi dressed up as himself for Halloween?

A Stern Warning

However, Gensler’s message transitioned to a more serious note as he wrapped up with a cautionary message in the spirit of Halloween: “Any crypto companies engaging in deceptive practices should transition to complying with securities laws.

The Quest for a Spot Bitcoin ETF

Regulatory Expectations

Gensler’s message generated significant interest, with many individuals inquiring about the SEC’s stance on approving a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The SEC has not yet approved a spot bitcoin ETF, despite granting approval for ETFs based on bitcoin futures contracts. Gensler’s consistent stance has been that all crypto tokens are considered securities, except for bitcoin.

Multiple Applications Under Scrutiny

The SEC chairman disclosed that the regulatory body is currently evaluating eight to ten spot bitcoin ETF applications. Public records reveal that 12 applications for spot bitcoin ETFs have been submitted to the SEC, including one from Grayscale Investments, which seeks to convert its Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a spot bitcoin ETF. Notable applicants in this space encompass ARK Investment Management, BlackRock, Bitwise, WisdomTree, Fidelity, VanEck, and Invesco.

Timeline for Review

Among these applications, eight have the latest possible review dates in the first quarter of the upcoming year, while three have the latest review dates in the second quarter. The regulatory journey of these applications remains a key point of interest for the crypto and financial communities.

Market Expectations

Market analysts, including those at JPMorgan, anticipate that the SEC may simultaneously approve multiple spot bitcoin ETFs. Notably, the price of bitcoin has witnessed an upsurge amid speculations that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is on the verge of launching its own spot bitcoin ETF. Recent reports from Bernstein Research have even suggested that a spot bitcoin ETF is likely to become a reality by January, offering insights into the potential developments in the crypto investment landscape.

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