BlackRock’s ETF Approval Uncertain: What Does the SEC Want?

• SEC mulls over crucial Bitcoin ETF decision.
• Regulator focuses on market manipulation and investor safety.
• ETF approval could significantly influence Bitcoin’s value.

Crypto markets are gearing up for a huge change, anticipating a surge in institutional investment. A catalyst for his change is BlackRock, a global financial giant with over $9 trillion in assets under management. The firm has recently filed an application for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

The application is currently under review by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but will likely need changes. Last week, the SEC signaled its reluctance to approve the application in its current form, citing concerns over investor safety and potential market manipulation. But what exactly does the SEC want from BlackRock? 

SEC’s Concerns Over BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF

According to recent reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a firm stance regarding approving Bitcoin ETFs. Specifically, the agency aims to make BlackRock use the “ cash redemption model” for the EFT. 

Cash redemption requires an institution to deposit cash equivalent to the net asset value (NAV) of the ETF’s creation units. The ETF then uses this cash to purchase the underlying asset, like Bitcoin, in the case of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. This method is seen as a way to mitigate market manipulation and arbitrage risks.

The in-kind creation model allows APs to deposit a basket of securities that match the ETF’s portfolio. This method eliminates the immediate need for the fund to sell securities for cash, which can be beneficial in certain market conditions. 

BlackRock wants to implement a hybrid model, which combines elements of both cash and in-kind redemptions. This model allows for greater flexibility in creating and redeeming ETF shares. In this hybrid approach, Authorized Participants (APs) could use cash or a basket of securities equivalent to the ETF’s net asset value for creation and redemption transactions.

However, the SEC has reportedly expressed concerns over this model. In particular, the regulator warns about the potential market manipulation and arbitrage opportunities that could arise with in-kind redemptions. 

What Are the Risks of In-Kind Redemption? 

In-kind redemptions could potentially be exploited for market manipulation. An entity with significant holdings in the ETF could redeem its shares in kind, receiving a basket of underlying assets (like Bitcoin). They could then potentially manipulate the market prices of these assets before or after the transaction, affecting the ETF’s value and the broader market.

Moreover, the in-kind model might create arbitrage opportunities where traders exploit differences between the ETF’s market price and the net asset value of its underlying assets. This could happen if the basket of assets used for redemptions does not accurately reflect the current market values. This could allow traders to buy or sell the ETF shares at a price advantageous to them compared to the actual market value of the underlying assets.

Historically, the SEC has had a strict stance on spot ETFs, rejecting several proposals. However, the agency’s attitude seems to shift, with market participants following the process optimistically. 

The decision deadline for BlackRock’s revised spot Bitcoin ETF application is January 15, 2024, with a final verdict due by March 15. The verdict has the crypto community on the edge, as the decision would have significant implications for crypto. With more institutional money in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, crypto markets stand to gain significantly. 

On the Flipside

• In October, the SEC charged BlackRock for failing to disclose the ETF investment properly. The fund agreed to pay a $2.5 million penalty. 
• Market optimism around the Spot Bitcoin ETF has contributed to a major crypto rally, with Bitcoin surging to yearly highs at $42,000 . 

Why This Matters

The SEC’s decision on BlackRock’s ETF will set a precedent for future crypto-related financial products. This will open the door for more institutional investment in cryptocurrencies.

Read more about the Bitcoin ETF crypto boom:  
Bitcoin Surges Past $42k as ETF FOMO Kicks In

Read more about the smart contract hack: 
First Smart Contact Hacker Pleads Guilty to Inside Job