On October 2, 2023, NYSE Arca and Grayscale Investments took a significant step in the regulated crypto investment landscape by filing Form 19b-4 with the SEC. The aim is to convert Grayscale Ethereum Trust (OTCQX: ETHE) into a spot Ethereum ETF. “As we file to convert ETHE to an ETF, the natural next step in the product’s evolution, we recognize this as an important moment to bring Ethereum even further into the U.S. regulatory perimeter,” said Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale Investments.
Grayscale Investments, the world’s largest crypto asset manager, has a long-standing commitment to providing regulated and transparent crypto investment options. The company has been methodically transitioning each of its 17 digital asset products through a four-phase lifecycle, with the ultimate aim of converting them into ETFs. David LaValle, Grayscale’s Global Head of ETFs, emphasized, “This filing is another important milestone as Grayscale continues to build its best-in-class ETF team, product suite, and capabilities.”
As of the latest data, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust holds nearly $5 billion in assets under management (AUM), accounting for 2.5% of all Ether in circulation. The trust has a daily trading volume in the millions of dollars and is held by over 250,000 American investor accounts. Unlike futures-based ETFs, a spot Ethereum ETF will invest directly in the underlying Ether asset, offering investors a more direct form of exposure to the cryptocurrency.
Grayscale is not the only asset manager seeking SEC approval for a spot Ethereum ETF. Firms like Invesco and Galaxy Digital have also submitted similar filings. Additionally, Grayscale is awaiting SEC approval to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into an ETF, following a court victory over the SEC this past summer. This competitive landscape indicates a growing interest in regulated crypto investment vehicles, which could potentially reshape the U.S. crypto market.
Grayscale Investments, Founded in 2013, is the world’s largest crypto asset manager, offering a range of 17 regulated and future-forward investment products. The company has a proven track record and deep expertise in the crypto asset management space.
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