The United States Securities Exchange Commission has postponed its decision regarding VanEck Bitcoin ETF proposal for 90 days moving the deadline to August 19th, 2019.
VanEck Bitcoin ETF
The SEC gave a 35 day period for collecting information as well as more insight on the proposal that was initially filed last year by the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Early this year when the US government shutdown reduced the operational abilities of the SEC, CBOE withdrew its request for a rule change. However, on January 31st it subsequently reapplied following the resolution of the government shutdown.
The news of VanEck Bitcoin ETF did not shock the cryptocurrency community although the bitcoin price has modestly retreated since Sunday’s 2019 new high. Even with this pullback in the price of bitcoin the market has witnessed several catalysts this year that are expected to continue fueling the bull market. Equally, the securities exchange will not focus on Bitcoin forever.
In the SEC filing, there are 14 questions posed to the public regarding the proposal from which its responses and arguments will help in reaching a decision. The issues raised generally concern the protection of public interest and investors from any form of fraud or exploitation.
Bitcoin ETF Issued by Bitwise Delayed
Another bitcoin ETF that is issued by Bitwise was delayed last week by the SEC. the decision not to say anything about VanEck at the time left many speculating the fate of this high profile ETF as the May 21 deadline approaches. In a tweet attorney Jake Chervinsky indicated that the SEC may have needed more time to make a decision on the VanEck ETF because of semantics.
Although the SEC chose to put on hold both bitcoin ETFs, they nonetheless did not reject them altogether. It is likely that they are buying time until there is a necessary regulatory framework to govern the crypto industry.
Featured Image: Depositphotos / nevarpp
