A bitcoin spot ETF could open the floodgates for greater crypto demand (w/ Eric Balchunas)
Aug 17, 2023
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Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg and author of The Institutional ETF Toolbox, discusses the current state of bitcoin spot ETFs, including Europe's first listing and the U.S. SEC's delay in approval. Balchunas explores the potential impact on the crypto market and trading volumes. He also speculates on the expense ratio of BlackRock's upcoming ETF and discusses the potential demand and implications of a spot ETF for bitcoin.
The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs can attract a large influx of institutional money into the US crypto market.
Bitcoin spot ETFs may disrupt crypto exchanges by offering convenience and low trading costs, but exchanges can explore other revenue streams.
Deep dives
The Race for Bitcoin Spot ETFs
The podcast episode discusses the recent developments in the world of Bitcoin spot ETFs and their impact on the US crypto market. It mentions that while there are already Bitcoin futures ETFs, the spot ETFs have been the focus for many years. The episode highlights the recent listing of Europe's first Bitcoin spot ETF by Jacobi Asset Management and the delayed deadlines for Bitcoin spot ETF applications by the US SEC. It further explores the significance and potential impact of the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, especially on the US market, as it provides an entry point for a large amount of money managed by financial advisors. The episode also mentions the involvement of prominent institutions like BlackRock, VanEck, and Arc in seeking SEC approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The discussion revolves around the factors influencing the approval process, such as surveillance sharing agreements and concerns about fraud and manipulation. The episode concludes by highlighting the potential for increased liquidity and demand in the crypto market with the introduction of Bitcoin spot ETFs, particularly among traditional investors and institutions.
Institutional Impact and Potential Threats
The episode dives into how the introduction of Bitcoin spot ETFs can impact institutional investors and the existing crypto exchanges. It suggests that the convenience, liquidity, and ease of use offered by ETFs may attract institutions who are already familiar with the ETF market and prefer low-cost and easy trading. The episode notes that while the ETFs may draw some liquidity from crypto exchanges, there are other revenue streams that exchanges like Coinbase can explore, such as working with traditional finance and institutional investors. The episode also addresses the potential competition between ETFs and exchanges like Coinbase in terms of trading costs, highlighting the low trading fees offered by ETFs and their appeal to traders. Moreover, it suggests that the ETFs can serve as a bridge for institutional investors who are still hesitant about directly investing in cryptocurrencies. Overall, the episode emphasizes the disruptive power of ETFs and their potential impact on the crypto market.
Factors Affecting Approval and Future Outlook
The podcast episode delves into the factors that may influence the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC and provides insights into the current odds and timeline. It highlights the significance of the upcoming grayscale versus SEC decision and its potential impact on the approval of ETFs. The episode reflects on the role of institutions like BlackRock and their filings for spot Bitcoin ETFs, considering their influence on the SEC's decision-making process. It also suggests that the evolving landscape of crypto and the moves towards regulation and collaboration with traditional finance, as seen with Coinbase's alignment with regulators, may increase the chances of approval. While uncertainties remain in terms of timing and decision-making, the episode expresses optimism that the SEC will approve one or more spot Bitcoin ETFs in the near future. Additionally, the episode speculates on the potential demand and inflows into the Bitcoin market facilitated by ETFs, particularly among investors who may allocate a small portion of their portfolios to these investment vehicles.
A podcast that unpacks and dives deep into the latest trends, drama and news in crypto with some of the biggest names in the industry to break things down block by block for the crypto curious.
For this week’s news episode, Jacquelyn talks with Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, alongside TechCrunch+ editor-in-chief Alex Wilhelm.
Balchunas is the author of The Institutional ETF Toolbox and The Bogle Effect. He also co-hosts Bloomberg’s Trillions podcast and ETF IQ show.
Spot bitcoin exchange traded funds, or ETFs, have been a hot topic in the crypto community for many years, but have recently gotten more attention due to Jacobi Asset Management listing Europe’s first bitcoin spot ETF, almost two years after its initial approval. Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently delayed deadlines for bitcoin spot ETF applications.
We dive into what’s going on with the bitcoin spot ETFs in the U.S., why it matters and the odds of the SEC approving one in the near future. We also talk about Europe’s first bitcoin spot ETF, how these investment vehicles in general could impact crypto exchanges’ trading volumes and what else is in store for them.
Chain Reaction comes out every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET, so be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts,Spotify or your favorite pod platform to keep up with the action.
Chain Reaction comes out every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET, so be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts,Spotify or your favorite pod platform to keep up with the action.
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