The recent surge in filings for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) signifies a significant validation for Bitcoin, according to Michael Sonnenshein, the CEO of Grayscale Investments.
Sonnenshein, in an interview on CNBC’s Last Call, dismissed the idea that BlackRock’s entry into the Bitcoin ETF race diminished its appeal.
He emphasized that BlackRock’s involvement adds credibility to the asset class and demonstrates its longevity.
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Over the past month alone, seven prominent institutional firms, including BlackRock, have submitted applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States.
If approved, these ETFs would offer both institutional and retail investors in the U.S. a straightforward and compliant avenue to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price without actually owning the digital currency.
Sonnenshein highlighted the tried and tested nature of the ETF structure, which has facilitated access to various assets like commodities and stocks.
He emphasized that Bitcoin is an enduring asset that investors desire and deserve access to.
Previously, Grayscale provided U.S. investors with an indirect method of gaining exposure to Bitcoin through the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which allowed trading of shares tied to large Bitcoin holdings.
However, the company intends to convert the GBTC into a spot Bitcoin ETF.
This transition would offer investors a more streamlined way to trade Bitcoin’s price, eliminating the discount to net asset value associated with GBTC.
Sonnenshein described the move to an ETF structure as a crucial development, providing investors with the additional safeguards they seek.
In June 2022, Grayscale filed a lawsuit against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after the rejection of its 2021 application to convert GBTC into an ETF.
Sonnenshein stated that a successful outcome in this legal challenge would unlock billions of dollars in investor capital.
Following BlackRock’s filing for a spot Bitcoin ETF on June 15, the price of Bitcoin surged by over 20%, reaching a year-high of $31,460 on July 6. As of now, it is trading at $30,633.
These developments indicate a growing interest in Bitcoin from institutional players and the potential for increased mainstream adoption through the introduction of regulated ETFs.
Overall, the flood of spot Bitcoin ETF filings represents a moment of validation for Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, with the potential to broaden its accessibility to investors while providing additional protection and market opportunities.
