SEC Delays Approval for Hashdex ETF Aimed at Bitcoin and Ethereum Holdings

• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, which aims to hold both Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• This delay is part of the SEC’s broader challenges with approving spot ETFs.
• The SEC has extended the initial 45-day review period for the Hashdex ETF proposal, setting a new deadline for September 30th to take action on the proposed rule change.

SEC delays its decision on the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, which seeks to hold both Bitcoin and Ethereum, raising further questions on regulatory approvals for cryptocurrency ETFs.

SEC Extends Review Period for Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF

On Friday, the SEC announced its decision to extend the review period for Hashdex’s ETF proposal. Initially set for a 45-day examination, the review window has now been extended, giving the Commission until September 30th to decide whether to approve, deny, or initiate proceedings regarding the proposed rule change.

Challenges in Approving Spot ETFs

The SEC’s decision to delay Hashdex’s ETF comes amidst ongoing struggles to approve spot ETFs. The Nasdaq submitted a proposal on June 17th to list and trade shares of the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF. If approved, this ETF would enable investors to trade shares designed to track the value of both leading cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Market Impact and Regulatory Scrutiny

Despite the industry’s anticipation, the SEC has remained cautious. “The Commission finds it appropriate to allocate additional time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein,” the SEC stated. This careful approach is indicative of the heightened scrutiny crypto-related financial products face.

Investor Reactions and Market Effects

The postponement has sparked varied reactions in the market. With previous approvals of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs earlier this year, the market had been hopeful for a swift decision. However, consistent regulatory delays have led to volatility in the prices of both cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

The extension of the review period for the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF highlights the SEC’s cautious stance on cryptocurrency ETFs. As the regulatory body takes more time to evaluate the proposal, the market continues to exhibit heightened sensitivity to these decisions, reflecting investor anxieties and the volatile nature of crypto-assets. Stakeholders are advised to remain observant and carry out their due diligence as the deadline approaches.