In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, investment giant BlackRock’s application to offer a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) has been added to the official docket of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This move marks a crucial step forward for the Bitcoin ETF proposal, with rival companies including Invesco, WisdomTree, Bitwise, and Fidelity subsequently filing their own applications. BlackRock revised its application after the SEC requested additional information, including a provision for surveillance sharing with Coinbase to monitor and report illegal activities. A 21-day public comment period will now follow BlackRock’s application.
Fir Tree Partners Launches Digital Asset Opportunities Fund:
New York-based hedge fund Fir Tree Partners has unveiled its plan to launch the Fir Tree Digital Asset Opportunities Fund. This new fund aims to harness the recent turmoil within the cryptocurrency industry by focusing on distressed crypto assets. Fir Tree believes that the current market situation presents a unique opportunity for mispriced, dislocated, and complex investments. Notably, the hedge fund emphasizes that it does not hold a specific view on the direction of cryptocurrencies and plans to hedge any crypto exposure. Fir Tree’s expertise in navigating bankruptcy proceedings and conducting effective activist efforts equips it with an advantage over other distressed investors.
Fantom Faces Challenges Amidst Multichain Setback:
Smart contract platform Fantom recently experienced a significant drop in its total value locked (TVL) and the price of its native coin, Fantom (FTM). The TVL plummeted from $364 million to $70 million between May and July 14, while the price of FTM declined from $0.41 to $0.28. These setbacks were primarily attributed to issues faced by Multichain, resulting in a sharp decline in Fantom’s activity. Multichain announced its shutdown on July 14 following the arrest of its CEO in May and the exploitation of the protocol on July 6, leading to the withdrawal of over $125 million worth of cryptocurrencies. Consequently, platforms like Fantom and Geist Finance were adversely affected, with the latter shutting down permanently. Circle and Tether have frozen over $65 million in assets tied to the attack, and Fantom is now actively working on asset recovery and exploring options with relevant organizations.
As BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF application progresses, it has triggered a surge of interest in the market, prompting other major players to file their own applications. This development highlights the growing acceptance and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Fir Tree Partners’ new Fund capitalizes on distressed crypto assets, presenting an enticing investment opportunity amid market turbulence. However, challenges arise within the industry, as exemplified by Fantom’s setback following the Multichain debacle. Nonetheless, the crypto ecosystem remains resilient, and platforms like Fantom will strive to recover and explore alternative routes toward progress. As the blockchain and cryptocurrency space evolves, it is crucial for investors and participants to remain attentive to developments and navigate emerging challenges effectively.
