CBOE Seeks SEC Approval to List First Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product in US

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The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) global markets is seeking approval from the US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) to list shares of the VanEck’s Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).

On Monday, March 1, CBOE filed a Form 19b-4, thus formally announcing its plans to list and trade shares of the VanEck Bitcoin Trust.

Although CBOE filing begins the formal regulatory review process, the SEC still has to acknowledge that it is reviewing the application before the first 45-day clock starts. Within those 45 days, the regulator has to either disapprove or approve the application or extend the review period. The regulator can extend the review period up to 240 days before it can make a final decision. 

According to the filing, CBOE stated that investing in Bitcoin through an exchange-traded product would provide advantages to retail investors without the need to invest in the crypto directly. Storing Bitcoin safely is a major problem for investors; therefore, such a Bitcoin ETF would allow retail traders to access better custodial services.

Based on the filling, CBOE has become the latest attempt to launch such a product in the US. The SEC has historically rejected every Bitcoin ETF application in the US, including previous efforts made by VanEck.

In January this year, VanEck New York-based investment firm filed another application to launch a Bitcoin ETF through trading at the CBOE exchange.

The Time of Bitcoin ETF Has Come

Although a Bitcoin ETF does not currently trade within the United States, Canada’s main securities regulator has approved several Bitcoin ETFs over the previous months. Last month, Canada’s Purpose Bitcoin ETF became the world’s first exchange-traded fund of its kind, allowing investors efficient and easy access to the emerging asset class of crypto. Several asset managers in Canada are therefore rushing to launch their own Bitcoin ETFs. The approval of Canadian ETFs will likely indirectly put pressure on the SEC to approve one in the United States as well.    

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Chicago Board Options Exchange Files Trademark for NFT & Crypto Services

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE Exchange, Inc. (CBOE)) has filed for a trademark application for CBOE DIGITAL for a non-fungible token (NFT) trademark, attorney Michael Kondoudis announced through a tweet.

“The Chicago Board Options Exchange has filed a trademark application for CBOE DIGITAL indicating plans for Exchanges and trading platforms for NFT backed digital assets; Marketplaces and exchanges for crypto + non-fungible + digital assets,” Kondudis, a Washington DC-based trademark lawyer, tweeted.

The application was submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on April 14, 2022.

It also signals plans by the CBOE Exchange to expand to various virtual, crypto and financial goods and services such as the provision of a financial exchange for the trading of digital assets authenticated by NFTs; financial exchange services; operation of electronic exchange for buyers and sellers of NFTs and online non-downloadable software for users to create, exchange, sell, purchase, and transmit non-fungible assets, digital assets, and crypto collectables authenticated by NFTs.

According to Kondoudis, “the CBOE is the largest options exchange in the U.S. This filing is the next logical step to protect the CBOE brand as it moves further into the digital economy of the Metaverse.”

“The CBOE is clearing taking a proactive, forward-thinking approach to ensure that it is a leading financial exchange in the digital economy of the Metaverse,” he added. “It is a safe bet that the CBOE expects to be a major player in that virtual economy.”

Kondoudis tracks Metaverse and NFT trademark filings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. However, Kondoudis does not represent the CBOE.

Earlier this year, the New York Stock Exchange filed a similar trademark application, according to Kondoudis, trademark applications by the CBOE have become a trend of filings in the financial sector for NFT and blockchain asset trading.

“We expect the number of trademark filings for NFT and blockchain products and services from the financial services sector to continue over the next 12 months as brands come to appreciate the opportunities of the digital economies,” Kondoudis added.

ARK Invest and 21Shares Launch Innovative Digital Asset ETF Suite

ARK Invest, led by the pro-Bitcoin advocate Cathie Wood, and 21Shares, a renowned exchange-traded product (ETP) supplier, have announced the launch of a new suite of digital asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This collaboration marks a pivotal step in offering investors a comprehensive range of options for integrating digital assets into their investment portfolios.

The newly launched ETF suite is unique in its approach, combining on-chain insights with traditional investment indicators. This method aims to provide a more informed and robust investment strategy in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. The suite includes the ARK 21Shares Active Bitcoin Futures Strategy ETF (ARKA), an actively managed ETF that targets 100% exposure to Bitcoin through futures contracts.

The suite, which is expected to start trading in the coming week, will be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). It comprises five different products, each designed to cater to various aspects of digital asset investment. Notably, the suite does not offer direct investment in spot Bitcoin, as highlighted in the firms’ disclaimer. Instead, it focuses on Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts and includes a product for investing in public stocks of blockchain-related companies, named the ARK 21Shares Blockchain and Digital Economy Innovation ETF. This product aims to provide investors with holistic exposure to the advancement of blockchain technology.

The launch has sparked discussions among experts, including Bloomberg analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas, regarding the potential acceptance of Bitcoin ETF registrations by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While there is speculation that the SEC might approve all 12 ETF registrations, the analysts emphasize that this remains a hypothesis with no definitive evidence currently supporting it.

Cboe Digital Set to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Futures Trading in January 2024

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. has announced a groundbreaking development in cryptocurrency trading, according to Prnewswire. Beginning January 11, 2024, Cboe Digital will launch margin futures trading for Bitcoin and Ether. This initiative positions Cboe Digital as the first U.S.-regulated crypto native exchange and clearinghouse to offer both spot and leveraged derivatives trading on a single platform, representing a significant advancement in the integration of cryptocurrency into the broader financial market.

The introduction of margin futures trading by Cboe Digital is a strategic move that combines the robustness of traditional financial market infrastructure with the burgeoning field of digital assets. This approach allows traders to engage in futures trading without the need to post full collateral upfront, thus offering greater capital efficiency compared to traditional non-margined futures trading. This margin model not only enhances capital efficiency but also marks an evolutionary step in crypto trading, catering to both institutional and individual investors.

The launch is backed by a coalition of 11 leading firms from both the cryptocurrency and traditional financial sectors, including B2C2, BlockFills, CQG, Cumberland DRW, Jump Trading Group, Marex, StoneX Financial, Talos, tastytrade, Trading Technologies, and Wedbush. These partnerships reflect a strong industry support and a shared vision for advancing secure and transparent trading in digital assets.

John Palmer, President of Cboe Digital, emphasized the milestone this launch represents in building trusted and transparent crypto markets. He highlighted the importance of derivatives in providing liquidity and hedging opportunities in the crypto space. Supporting voices from the industry, including Nicola White of B2C2 and Chris Zuehlke of Cumberland DRW, also stressed the role of Cboe Digital’s initiative in enhancing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and maturing the crypto asset class.

Cboe Digital’s expansion into Bitcoin and Ether futures trading complements its existing offerings in the spot crypto market, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Litecoin, and USDC. The platform will provide detailed margin requirements and risk management tools on its website, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent trading experience.

Cboe Global Markets is renowned for delivering market infrastructure and tradable products across multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets. Cboe Digital operates in compliance with regulatory standards set by the CFTC and is licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Looking ahead, Cboe Digital is exploring expansion into physically delivered products, contingent on regulatory approvals, signaling its commitment to innovation and growth in the digital asset space.

Cboe Digital’s launch of Bitcoin and Ether margin futures is a landmark event that bridges the gap between traditional finance and the evolving world of digital assets. This initiative is set to enhance trading efficiency, liquidity, and accessibility in the cryptocurrency market, marking a new chapter in the integration of digital currencies into the global financial ecosystem.

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