SEC Delays Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF Decision Again

The SEC has extended its deadline to May 30th for a decision on Grayscale's application for an Ethereum Futures ETF. The delay allows the agency additional time to review the proposed change, as per the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which grants a six-month period for consideration. The postponement follows similar delays for spot Ethereum ETF applications from Grayscale and other firms, adding to market pressure and contributing to a 10.4% weekly decline in Ethereum's price.

Securities and Exchange Commission Delays Decision on Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF Application

March 22, 2024

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has further postponed its decision on whether to approve Grayscale's application for an Ethereum Futures Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). The new deadline for the SEC's decision has been extended to May 30, 2024, according to a document filed by the agency on Friday.

The initial application for the Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF was submitted in September 2023. Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the SEC has 180 days, or six months, from the date of the proposed rule change to make a decision. The agency had previously deferred its decision in November 2023.

In its announcement, the SEC stated that it requires additional time to thoroughly review the proposed rule change and the issues it raises. "The Commission finds that it is appropriate to designate a longer period within which to issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein," the agency said.

This latest delay in the decision-making process for the Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF application follows a similar pattern of postponements by the SEC for other spot and futures Ethereum ETF applications. In January 2024, the SEC approved 11 Bitcoin ETFs but delayed its decision on spot Ethereum ETF applications from Grayscale and BlackRock. The following month, the SEC also postponed its decision on a joint spot Ethereum ETF application from Invesco and Galaxy Digital.

The SEC's decision to postpone its decision on the Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF application has drawn mixed reactions from cryptocurrency investors and enthusiasts. Some have expressed disappointment, while others have welcomed the delay, suggesting that it may allow for greater adoption of Bitcoin ETFs before the launch of Ethereum ETFs.

"Spot Ethereum ETFs will gather more assets if they launch in December versus if they launch in May," said Matt Hougan, Chief Information Officer of Bitwise, on Twitter. "TradFi needs more time to digest the Bitcoin ETFs."

The ongoing delays in the SEC's decision-making process have contributed to negative pressure on the Ethereum market, with the price of Ethereum experiencing a decline of 10.4% over the past week. As of Friday, Ethereum was trading at approximately $3,289, according to Coingecko.

The SEC's postponement of its decision on the Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF application highlights the ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding the approval of cryptocurrency-related investment funds in the United States. It remains unclear whether the SEC will ultimately approve the application, and investors should proceed with caution and consider the potential risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency-related products.