The SEC Fast-Tracks Crypto ETF Reviews, Ushering in Major Market Shifts!

The SEC without Gary Gensler is taking a new direction. The American agency, once perceived as hesitant towards cryptocurrencies, seems to want to calm things down. Since the beginning of the year, reforms have multiplied and industry players have stepped up their efforts to ensure that the momentum continues. An expectation that the regulator seems to have understood well, evidenced by the numerous recently recognized crypto ETF applications. A turning point? Possible. Because if the Securities and Exchange Commission is finally letting up, it might be to better prepare the ground for a regulatory revolution.

Crypto ETFs in full swing: a wave of approvals on the horizon?

Since the reelection of Donald Trump, the SEC seems to have awakened from a long sleep. In just two days, the agency has validated the review of several crypto ETF applications, covering staking, options, and even some altcoins. A flood of submissions following Gensler’s departure, a coincidence? Not sure!

On February 19, Nasdaq submitted a request to set exercise limits on options for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), a behemoth with $57 billion in assets.

For its part, Cboe wants to introduce options on Grayscale and Bitwise Ethereum ETFs, as well as XRP ETFs for Canary and WisdomTree. Add to this a request to allow staking on 21Shares’ Ether ETF, and you have an explosive cocktail for investors.

• 65% chance that the XRP ETF will be approved in the United States, according to Bloomberg Intelligence;
• Litecoin and Solana ETFs are even more popular with 90% and 70% probability;
• Launch of the Franklin Templeton Crypto ETF, combining Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Does this sudden easing of the SEC indicate a genuine desire for normalization, or is it merely a strategy to not lose control? The answer should not be long in coming.

Towards a new approach to cryptocurrency regulation?

Another sign that the tide is turning: the SEC is closely interested in staking. Far from demonizing this practice, the regulator has asked market participants to provide a memo detailing its mechanisms and benefits.

As revealed by Eleanor Terrett, a journalist at Fox Business:

“The agency is very, very interested in staking.”

An understatement that speaks volumes about the change in tone.

This turnaround is not limited to staking. The SEC is also exploring creations and in-kind redemptions for crypto ETFs. This method, favored by issuers and investors for its tax benefits, is currently prohibited in the United States. But the agency’s recent openness on the subject suggests a possible evolution.

The authorization of options on Bitcoin ETFs has paved the way for similar requests for Ethereum. But how far will the agency go?

In January, Cointelegraph reported that numerous ETF applications had been filed following Gensler’s resignation. Simple coincidence or a desire to accelerate ahead of the arrival of a stricter regulator?

Moreover, Elon Musk did not hesitate to fire at the SEC, demanding an audit of the agency’s spending via DOGE. A strategic pressure move? As the SEC seems to soften its position on crypto ETFs, is this to better avoid future sanctions? A matter to follow.