Australian Firm Seeks Approval for Country’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF with Cboe Australia

• Monochrome Asset Management applies to Cboe Australia for a spot Bitcoin ETF, aiming for a mid-year decision.
• The firm opts for Cboe Australia over ASX for its flagship Bitcoin ETF, citing strategic alignment and investor access.
• If approved, this would be Australia’s first spot Bitcoin ETF, allowing direct holding of Bitcoin for investors.

Monochrome Asset Management’s application for a spot Bitcoin ETF with Cboe Australia marks a significant step towards offering Australian investors direct Bitcoin exposure, with a decision expected by mid-2024.

Monochrome’s Strategic Move Towards Spot Bitcoin ETF

Australia-based Monochrome Asset Management has officially applied for a spot Bitcoin ETF with Cboe Australia, indicating a pivotal move towards introducing the country’s first such ETF. The decision to partner with Cboe Australia over the larger ASX is rooted in strategic alignment, established reputation, and the desire to expand investor access across Asia. This initiative reflects Monochrome’s ambition to pioneer direct Bitcoin holding products in the Australian market, potentially setting a precedent for future crypto asset offerings.

Anticipating Regulatory Approval

Having already secured approval from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) regulator, Monochrome’s application now awaits a decision from Cboe Australia. This process underscores the regulatory pathway in Australia, where approval from the governing regulator precedes exchange listing applications. CEO Jeff Yew’s confidence in a mid-year decision highlights the firm’s preparedness and the significance of this development for Australia’s cryptocurrency landscape.

The Implications of a Spot Bitcoin ETF in Australia

The introduction of a spot Bitcoin ETF in Australia would mark a milestone in the availability of crypto investment products, offering investors a direct exposure option to Bitcoin. Unlike existing exchange-traded products that provide indirect exposure, a spot Bitcoin ETF represents a more straightforward and potentially more appealing investment mechanism for those looking to invest in Bitcoin through traditional financial systems.

Conclusion

Monochrome Asset Management’s application for a spot Bitcoin ETF with Cboe Australia represents a critical step forward in the evolution of cryptocurrency investment products in Australia. As the decision looms, the anticipation among investors and the broader financial community signifies the potential impact of this ETF on enhancing Bitcoin’s accessibility and investment appeal. With regulatory approval, Monochrome’s Bitcoin ETF could pave the way for further innovation and adoption in the Australian cryptocurrency market.