The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a delay in its decision regarding Grayscale Investments’ application for a Ethereum futures exchange-traded fund (ETF). The fund aims to provide investors with an avenue to buy shares that speculate on the future price of Ethereum, one of the leading cryptocurrencies in the market.
The SEC has stated that it requires additional time to carefully consider the proposed rule change. This delay is not unique to Grayscale, as numerous other Wall Street firms have also submitted their own applications for crypto-related products. Furthermore, the SEC is currently reviewing several spot Bitcoin ETF applications that have been filed.
In a related development, Grayscale Investments has applied for a separate crypto ETF that focuses on Ethereum futures rather than transacting directly in Ether. This move highlights Grayscale’s efforts to diversify its offerings and cater to investors seeking exposure to different aspects of the crypto market.
Historically, the SEC has exhibited hesitancy in approving Bitcoin ETFs due to concerns surrounding market manipulation. However, a recent court decision in favor of Grayscale’s pursuit of a spot Bitcoin ETF has infused renewed optimism within the crypto market.
Meanwhile, the SEC has also postponed action on Hashdex’s application to convert its bitcoin futures ETF into a spot product. Industry insiders remain hopeful about the regulator’s eventual approval of a spot bitcoin ETF, given the increasing number of companies filing applications for such products set to launch in 2023. Furthermore, there is growing interest in creating similar offerings linked to Ethereum.
In a separate report by blockchain security platform Immunefi, it was revealed that a significant portion (46.48%) of lost crypto from Web3 exploits in 2022 can be attributed to Web2 security issues. The study examined the vulnerabilities behind crypto exploits, categorizing them accordingly. Web2 vulnerabilities accounted for 26.56% of incidents, while infrastructure weaknesses, cryptographic issues, and weaknesses in access control and input validation contributed to the remaining losses.
It is crucial to differentiate these security vulnerabilities from exit scams, frauds, and market manipulations, as the report solely focuses on incidents stemming from security weaknesses. The findings highlight the importance of robust security measures as the blockchain industry continues to grow and face evolving threats.
Despite the delays in ETF approvals and the challenges faced by the blockchain industry in terms of security, the price of Bitcoin has experienced a notable surge, rising over 5% to $37,500. This demonstrates the resilience and potential of cryptocurrencies, which continue to attract both institutional and retail investors.
In conclusion, the SEC’s decision to delay approving Grayscale’s Ethereum futures ETF, coupled with the anticipation surrounding spot Bitcoin ETF approvals, illustrates the regulatory landscape’s impact on the crypto market. As the industry evolves, it is vital to address security vulnerabilities and implement robust measures to safeguard against potential exploits. These developments further highlight the growing interest and potential of cryptocurrencies, signaling their continued integration into traditional financial markets.
