Ether-Futures ETFs Could Debut on CME as Early as October

Written by:

  1. Fact checked by
  2. Nikita Sachdev Nikita Sachdev
Ether-Futures ETF
  1. eth icon ETH

Created: 18 Aug, 2023

TL;DR

  • ETFs based on Ether Futures could be launched in the US by early October this year on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).
  • Ether prices have risen over 10% during the overnight session as traders and investors front-run the decision.

The overnight session saw elevated volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Prices accelerated on the downside yesterday, driven by higher yields and rising US dollar. 

Traders received positive news from the US, where ETH-Futures ETFs are close to approval with the SEC.

Ether Futures ETFs are pending approval with the SEC.
Ether Futures ETFs are pending approval with the SEC. 

As Bloomberg reported a few hours ago, the agency will unlikely block the products. These might soon be available for trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

US SEC close to approving Ether-Futures ETFs

Even though the information comes from sources, expectations point to imminent approval. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been reluctant thus far to approve such products.

However, the regulator’s vision of various crypto products has evolved over time, moving in a favorable direction.

The latest news indicates that at least one Ether-Futures ETF could be approved by October.

The exact date and the precise approved applications are still unknown. If it turns out true, this will be the first crypto-related ETF trading in the United States.

Many institutional investors stayed on the sidelines, worried about the lack of transparency seen with traditional crypto exchange platforms. In case an ETF will debut on CME, that will mark a significant milestone for the industry.

Multiple asset managers have sent applications to the SEC

Close to 12 applications for ETH futures ETFs were sent for the SEC’s approval in July and August. 

Grayscale, VanEck, BitWise, Volatility Shares, and ProShares are major crypto brands interested in launching such products.

Ethereum is the second-largest crypto project in the world, judging by market capitalization. The token currently trades for $1,700, and the aggregate market cap exceeds $200 billion.

Given the high interest in ETH, it should be no surprise to see many investment firms eager to launch ETH-based derivatives contracts.

Apparently, the latest news suggests that the SEC is not expected to reject any of the proposals for ETH futures ETFs. That has to do with the design of these products.

gary gensler ETH etf
Gary Gensler | Photographer: Andrew Harrer

The regulator has long been worried about issues like custody. With futures ETFs, that problem is off the table.

A higher chance of approval?

Yesterday, we talked about the first European physically-backed Bitcoin ETF. The instrument started trading on the Amsterdam Euronext. With futures-based ETFs, however, investors gain exposure to a different instrument.

Instead of using physical coins to back the ETF, futures contracts are bought/sold, depending on trading activity. That’s why the latest ETH futures ETFs have a high chance of approval.

Ether futures contracts are already available for trading on the CME. Basically, the SEC will have to agree on a derivative based on a product it has approved in the past.

That said, is this the sign of confidence the market has been waiting for?

Delara Hadid

Delara Hadid

Delara Hadid is an architect and urban designer focusing on sustainable practices and an interest in cryptocurrencies. Her work thoughtfully blends traditional and modern design elements, creating visually pleasing and functional spaces. In addition to...

Related articles

See more Altcoins