The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised to decide on approving a spot Bitcoin ETF. This move, subject to the clearance of forms 19b-4 and S-1, is expected to occur within the next few days, according to recent reports from Bloomberg.

SEC vote imminent on Bitcoin ETF forms

The SEC’s impending decision came after a Bloomberg report stating that the commission would vote on the 19b-4 forms shortly. ETF applicants have been instructed to file form S-1 by 8 am on Monday, January 8, 2024. Earlier, Bloomberg analysts estimated that the probability of rejection for the ETF now stands at a mere 5%. This follows a series of meetings between SEC officials and representatives from firms seeking the ETF’s approval. If the SEC grants the necessary approvals, trading for these ETFs could commence as early as the next business day.

This decision is crucial as it potentially paves the way for the much-anticipated approval of Bitcoin ETFs. This development could significantly impact the standardization and flow of institutional money into the crypto market.

Market response and implications

The anticipation surrounding the approval of a Bitcoin ETF has already influenced the market. Notably, the stock prices of companies like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Coinbase (COIN) have seen considerable gains in recent months, echoing the rise in Bitcoin’s (BTC) price. These gains are largely attributed to the market’s expectation of an approved Bitcoin ETF.

MicroStrategy, in particular, has been proactively investing in Bitcoin, leveraging the cryptocurrency’s price volatility. This strategy underscores the company’s confidence in the value of digital currency and its potential to yield significant returns.

Assuming the approval goes through, ETF products from prominent financial firms like Blackrock, Fidelity, Van Eck, Valkyrie, Bitwise, and Grayscale could be available for trading on the stock market as early as January 11, 2024. This date aligns with the January 10 deadline for the SEC officials in the Ark 21Shares spot Bitcoin ETF filing.

The SEC’s upcoming decision is a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry. Approval of the spot Bitcoin ETF would not only mark a milestone in the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets but also potentially lead to increased institutional investment in Bitcoin. This could have a broader impact on the cryptocurrency market, influencing trends and investor confidence. The outcome of the SEC’s decision is eagerly awaited by both the crypto community and traditional investors, as it holds the potential to reshape the financial landscape significantly.