How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection - Ep. 562
Oct 27, 2023
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The podcast discusses the potential inflows to spot Bitcoin ETFs, projected to rise above $14 billion in the first year. It explores the significance of Bitcoin ETFs for retail and institutional investors, the comparison between Bitcoin and gold, and the potential impact on Bitcoin's price. The podcast also covers various cryptocurrency news and developments, including fundraising by militant groups, regulatory efforts, and updates from Coinbase.
The potential approval of spot bitcoin ETFs could lead to inflows of over $14 billion in the first year, providing financial advisors and wealth managers with a new way to offer clients exposure to digital assets.
Bitcoin's price surge is connected to the growing optimism over the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, with analysts predicting an early approval as soon as January 2024.
Deep dives
Wall Street Journal Report Sparks Political Uproar Over Crypto Financing of Terrorism
A recent Wall Street Journal report claimed that Palestinian militant groups raised $130 million in cryptocurrency from attacks in Israel, leading to political reactions and demands for action against crypto financing of terrorism. However, it was later revealed that one of the groups, Hamas, had actually asked for donations to stop in the face of increasing prosecution and hostility. Efforts are underway to address these concerns, with the US lawmakers urging action to prevent crypto financing of terrorism and proposing regulations targeting crypto mixers. Additionally, Republican lawmakers have requested an investigation into finance and tether for their alleged role in terrorism financing.
Bitcoin's Price Surges on ETF Hopes
Bitcoin's price has surged nearly 18% to reach a high of $35,150, driven in part by growing optimism over the potential approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit has stated that the SEC must reevaluate Grayscale's bid to convert its GBTC fund into an ETF, and SEC Chair Gary Gensler has confirmed that the agency is actively reviewing multiple spot Bitcoin ETF filings. Analysts predict that an ETF could be approved as early as January 2024.
A key developer for the Bitcoin Lightning Network, Antoine Reard, has raised concerns about a potential vulnerability in the network that could allow for so-called replacement cycling attacks. While experts have already deployed mitigations, Reard argues that a sustainable fix would require changes at the base layer of Bitcoin. The Lightning Network has been praised for its scalability and speed, but security concerns like this highlight the need for continued development and improvements.
FTX Reportedly in Talks for Potential Restart
Cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, is reportedly in advanced talks with three bidders for a potential restart. Options on the table include selling the entire exchange or partnering with another entity to relaunch the platform. Talks are ongoing, and a decision is expected to be made by mid-December. The outcome could have implications for the wider crypto exchange landscape and customer asset recovery efforts.
In a recent report, Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy, predicted that inflows to spot bitcoin ETFs would rise above $14 billion in the first year following the potential approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of multiple applications the agency is considering. Thorn called the availability of this product significant because it will give financial advisors and wealth managers accessibility to digital assets in a way that will be acceptable to clients seeking exposure to crypto. He also believes approval of a spot BTC ETF could occur this year before the holidays, and draws comparisons between bitcoin and gold as investment products.