NEW YORK: A key US regulator halted the approval process for a new cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) just hours after initially signing off, in a setback for digital-asset proponents hoping for easy-to-trade funds that expand access to more tokens.
On Tuesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) division of trading and markets green-lit the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund conversion to an ETF, according to a public filing. But later the same day, SEC assistant secretary Sherry Haywood issued an “indefinite stay,” which effectively suspended the launch of the fund seeking to offer regulated, one-click exposure to a diversified basket of cryptocurrencies.
The episode showcased the continued regulatory ambiguity for these new offerings as SEC chair Paul Atkins eyes friendlier rules for the industry. Allowing such funds to hit the market would be a big deal for investors who currently do not have easy access to many crypto tokens in a low-cost ETF wrapper.
A spokesperson for Bitwise said the company was evaluating the development.
“We’ve been encouraged by the constructive engagement with the SEC under the new administration and will work productively to expand access to crypto,” the spokesperson said. — Bloomberg
