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Consensus 2025
18:06:32:25

Bitcoin ETF

What is a bitcoin ETF? They are a relatively easy-to-purchase investment vehicle that owns bitcoin (BTC), the original cryptocurrency. Just like stocks, exchange-traded funds are listed on exchanges, can be traded throughout the day and are available for purchase through normal brokerage accounts. A bitcoin ETF was first proposed in the U.S. around 2013 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, but were never approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Several applications for them are pending with the SEC as of January 2024, from companies including BlackRock, Grayscale, Fidelity, Galaxy/Invesco and Franklin Templeton. If approved, crypto ETFs could dramatically broaden the base of people who can invest in digital assets. There have been bitcoin futures ETFs available in the U.S. for several years, but the latest round of proposed products, technically known as spot bitcoin ETFs, are a more efficient and desirable product.


Videos

Will Bitcoin's Bull Run Continue Next Week?

Bitcoin is up 9.13% on the day as institutions outside the U.S. have reportedly turned more bullish, but will the rally continue? CoinDesk's Christie Harkin discusses what to expect next week, as the SEC has also delayed its decision to approve four bitcoin ETF applications.

Recent Videos

Policy

Gensler Reiterates Support for Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

The SEC chairman struck a similar tone in August, igniting a rush in tailor-made ETF filings.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Gary Gensler, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,  testifies before a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee oversight hearing on the SEC on September 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein-Pool/Getty Images)

Videos

SEC Chair Gensler Reiterates Support for Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler reiterated his support Wednesday for a narrow class of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that would invest in futures contracts instead of the crypto itself. CoinDesk's Galen Moore discusses the outlook for the U.S. ETF landscape, suggesting the likelihood of a spot ETF getting approved compared to a bitcoin futures ETF. Plus, his views on El Salvador using volcanic energy for bitcoin mining.

Recent Videos

Finance

Crypto Companies Continue ETF Proposal Spree With Bitcoin, DeFi Filings

Tuesday regulatory filings show Amplify, Invesco and Galaxy Digital submitting a pair of crypto ETF bids to the SEC.

Galaxy Digital CEO Michael Novogratz (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Markets

Grayscale’s Vision for Bitcoin ETF at Odds With Those of SEC Chair Gensler

Analysts say the so-called GBTC discount could widen if Grayscale’s plan for a spot bitcoin-based ETF fails to win SEC approval.

GBTC discount (Skew)

Markets

Bitwise Joins Hunt for Bitcoin ETF Approval With Futures Product Filing

The asset manager is teaming up with ETF Series Solutions in its bid to get a U.S. bitcoin ETF over the finish line.

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan

Videos

Why is Bitcoin Pulling Back?

Osprey Funds founder and CEO Greg King analyzes the crypto markets and his outlook as bitcoin continues to fade after last week’s sell-off from the $52,000 resistance level, and the upside appears to be limited given signs of slowing momentum.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Policy

SEC Sets November Deadline for Final Decision on VanEck Bitcoin ETF

Regulators are again postponing a decision on what would be the first U.S. bitcoin ETF.

SEC, Securities and Exchange Commission

Policy

State of Crypto: SEC vs. CFTC

A crypto turf war may be brewing between two U.S. regulators.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler

Finance

Withdrawal of Ether Futures ETF Proposals Good Sign for Bitcoin Futures ETF: Analyst

Bloomberg Intelligence’s James Seyffart thinks a bitcoin futures ETF could get approved as soon as October.

Jan van Eck, president and CEO of VanEck speaks at Consensus Invest 2018 (CoinDesk)