Top Ethereum ETF Applications

Get ready to dive into the world of Ethereum ETFs that are currently awaiting approval from the SEC. This means that companies have applied to create investment funds that track the price of Ethereum, similar to how ETFs track the prices of stocks or commodities. Understanding these applications and approvals can provide insights into the growing interest in cryptocurrencies among traditional investors. Stay tuned to learn more about this evolving landscape!

1. BlackRock

BlackRock, the largest asset manager globally, submitted an S-1 form in November for its proposed iShares Ethereum Trust. The SEC postponed its decision on this potential product earlier this year, and now the deadline for a decision has been extended to August 7th. This development highlights the significant interest from major institutional players like BlackRock in offering investment products tied to Ethereum, a popular cryptocurrency. The outcome of this SEC decision could have a notable impact on the broader adoption and recognition of Ethereum within traditional financial markets.

2. Grayscale

Grayscale, a prominent crypto asset manager, has proposed converting its Grayscale Ethereum Trust into a spot Ethereum ETF and is now awaiting a response from the SEC. Currently structured as a closed-end fund, this transformation would make it easier for investors to redeem shares. 

Grayscale already successfully transitioned its Bitcoin Trust into an ETF earlier this year, demonstrating a viable path for similar crypto investment vehicles. Grayscale's influence has been instrumental in paving the way for Bitcoin ETFs to trade in the U.S., underscoring its role in expanding crypto investment opportunities within traditional financial markets.

3. Ark Invest/21Shares

In September, ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, a notable tech investment firm, submitted a proposal to the SEC for an Ethereum ETF. This ETF, developed in collaboration with 21Shares, a crypto ETF issuer, designates Coinbase, the largest digital asset exchange in America, as its custodian. This means that Coinbase would be responsible for securely holding and managing the ETH within the ETF. The SEC is expected to reach a decision on this proposal by May 24. If approved, this Ethereum ETF could significantly broaden accessibility to Ethereum investment opportunities, further integrating cryptocurrency assets into traditional investment portfolios.

4. Fidelity

In November, Fidelity, a major player in financial services, signaled its interest in launching an Ethereum ETF when Cboe, the exchange designated for trading the ETF, filed a 19b-4 on behalf of Fidelity. This move indicated Fidelity's serious intention to bring an Ethereum ETF to market.

Subsequently, in March, Fidelity officially filed its S-1 registration statement with the SEC for the Fidelity Ethereum Fund. The SEC is scheduled to reach a decision on this product by August 3. If approved, the Fidelity Ethereum Fund could have a substantial impact by providing investors with a regulated and accessible way to invest in Ethereum, potentially broadening the adoption of cryptocurrencies within traditional investment circles.

5. Franklin Templeton

In February, Franklin Templeton, a prominent Wall Street firm, joined the Ethereum ETF competition by filing a proposal with the SEC for the Franklin Ethereum Trust. Notably, Franklin Templeton's filing highlights the inclusion of staking, a process where digital coins or tokens are locked up to support blockchain operations.

The proposal specifies that the Franklin Ethereum Trust "may, from time to time, stake a portion of the Fund’s assets through one or more trusted staking providers." The SEC is expected to render a decision on this product by June 11.

The impact of Franklin Templeton's Ethereum Trust proposal, incorporating staking, underscores a growing trend towards innovative investment strategies within the cryptocurrency sector. If approved, this ETF could attract investors looking to participate in Ethereum's ecosystem while potentially earning rewards through staking, further legitimizing Ethereum's role as a valuable investment asset.

6. Bitwise

Bitwise, a digital asset investment firm, submitted its S-1 form to the SEC in March for a spot Ethereum ETF. Similar to Franklin Templeton's approach, Bitwise's filing includes plans for staking, whereby the Bitwise Ethereum Trust could utilize trusted staking providers to earn additional rewards by locking up a portion of the fund's assets.

The impact of Bitwise's Ethereum ETF proposal, particularly with staking included, could be significant. Staking allows for potential additional income generation from Ethereum holdings, appealing to investors seeking diversified crypto investment strategies. If approved, Bitwise's ETF could contribute to the mainstream acceptance of Ethereum as a viable asset class within the investment landscape, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning crypto market.

7. Hashdex

In September, Nasdaq submitted a proposal on behalf of Brazilian fund manager Hashdex for the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF. Hashdex, known for its existing crypto ETFs in Brazil, aims to introduce this ETF in the U.S. market.

Hashdex received SEC approval for its Bitcoin ETF in January but is awaiting stock exchange trading. In March, Hashdex announced plans to convert its Bitcoin futures ETF into a spot ETF later on. The SEC is set to make a decision on the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF by May 30.

The impact of Hashdex's Ethereum ETF proposal, facilitated by Nasdaq, highlights the growing interest and acceptance of cryptocurrency-based investment products. If approved, this ETF could provide U.S. investors with accessible exposure to Ethereum, further integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream investment portfolios.

8. Invesco Galaxy

In September, Invesco, a leading asset management company, collaborated with Mike Novogratz's Galaxy Digital to propose an Ethereum ETF. The S-1 filing outlines Invesco as the sponsor of the product, with Galaxy Digital acting as the "execution agent" responsible for selling ETH to cover expenses related to the Invesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF.

The SEC is scheduled to make a decision regarding this product by July 7.

The impact of Invesco's partnership with Galaxy Digital on this proposed Ethereum ETF signifies the continued interest and involvement of major financial institutions in the cryptocurrency market. If approved, this ETF could offer investors a regulated and convenient way to invest in Ethereum, potentially boosting mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies as legitimate investment assets.

9. VanEck

VanEck, an asset manager, was the initial fund manager to submit a proposal for an Ethereum ETF to the SEC in 2021. Although the firm withdrew its proposal later that year, it has since resubmitted.

VanEck's Bitcoin ETF has proven successful, with the firm even waiving fees to enhance competitiveness in the market. On May 23, the SEC is expected to reach a decision on this Ethereum ETF proposal.

The impact of VanEck's renewed interest in an Ethereum ETF underscores the ongoing evolution and maturation of the cryptocurrency investment landscape. If approved, this ETF could provide investors with additional opportunities to participate in Ethereum's growth, reflecting the increasing integration of digital assets into traditional investment portfolios.