ReportWire

Tag: sec news

  • XRP Price To Crash To $0.33 Before Surge To $9 Post-SEC Appeal; Analyst Reveals

    XRP Price To Crash To $0.33 Before Surge To $9 Post-SEC Appeal; Analyst Reveals

    [ad_1]


    Este artículo también está disponible en español.

    Earlier in August, the XRP community got some positive news when the court ruled that Ripple Labs should pay a $125 million fine to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for selling unregistered securities. However, the regulator has been unhappy with this decision, leading to an appeal of the court’s decision. Naturally, the appeal has pushed back the finish line for the 4-year battle, but the end could still be very bullish for the XRP price.

    The XRP Crash Before The Surge

    While the SEC and Ripple continue to battle it out in court, a pseudonymous crypto analyst on the TradingView website who goes by the name AnalysisParalysis has shared their expectation for the XRP price. In this case, the crypto analyst expects that the altcoin’s price will rally. But not without first suffering a decline due to the SEC appeal.

    Related Reading

    According to the analyst, the SEC appeal is expected to come sometime before October 6, 2024, during which time they expect the XRP price to struggle. “I believe this will be the catalyst this time around that causes XRP to crash just before its going to go on a massive upward movement,” the analyst said.

    The initial crash here is expected to cross 30%, pushing the price as low as $0.33. However, after this, fireworks are expected to follow as the XRP price begins its uptrend. From here, the altcoin is expected to clear the $1 easily, moving toward new all-time highs in the process.

    As for how high the XRP price could go, the crypto analyst believes that it could rise as high as $8.80. If this happens, it would mean a 2,566% increase from the $0.33 lows expected after the price crash. The analyst speculates that the timeframe for the altcoin’s price to touch this new all-time high is sometime in summer 2025. So, somewhere between June and September 2025.

    The State Of The Ripple Vs. SEC Lawsuit

    Currently, the battle between Ripple and the SEC rages on as the regulator has appealed the court’s decision that secondary programmatic sales of XRP tokens do not count as a securities offering. The outcome of the appeal is still heavily debated but securities lawyer Marc Fagel has offered various possibilities.

    Related Reading

    On an X (formerly Twitter) post, Fagel stated;

    “The Court of Appeals could conclude the district court erred in stating that XRP is not itself a security; and if it is, then the holding on programmatic sales gets reversed. But they could also reverse the programmatic sales without addressing the question of XRP being a security per se (as seems more likely).”

    However, way the appeal does play out, the consensus remains that a final end to the battle between the crypto firm and the regulator would be good for the XRP price. Projections following the outcome have ranged from a price tag of $1 to as high as $100.

    Price maintains uptrend despite market decline | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com

    Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com

    [ad_2]

    Scott Matherson

    Source link

  • Bitcoin Spot ETFs Approved After 14 Years- The Journey So Far

    Bitcoin Spot ETFs Approved After 14 Years- The Journey So Far

    [ad_1]

    The year 2024 marks the dawn of a new era, not just for technology but for finance, as a major victory was achieved for Bitcoin Spot ETFs (Exchang-Traded Funds). It’s now the era where the past will be appreciated for its foresight and doggedness. 

    When the pioneer cryptocurrency and digital currency, Bitcoin launched in January 2009, it was nothing like a real-world asset or of an ‘agreed’ digital value, but an almost neglected bag of gold as it faced enough rejection from all phases. Even with Satoshi’s Whitepaper, Bitcoin wasn’t given a cordial welcome in the world of finance.

    However, for all its promise, BTC remained shrouded in an air of mystery and skepticism. It took several years for Bitcoin to cement its value in the world of technology, finance, and the digital economy, assuming a giant role amidst many other cryptocurrencies. 

    However, On January 10, 2024, the SEC, in its official filing, approves all 11 Bitcoin Spot ETFs. This long-awaited green light from the US SEC marked a watershed moment, not just for Bitcoin, but for the entire cryptocurrency industry. 

    The 14-year journey to this point was arduous and paved with skepticism; regulatory hurdles loomed large, with the SEC citing concerns about market manipulation and investor protection as justification for repeated rejections. Attempts like Bitcoin futures ETFs offered limited exposure, failing to capture the true essence of a spot ETF’s direct price tracking. 

    Bitcoin Spot ETF Explained

    The recent approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has stirred excitement across the financial landscape. But what exactly are these instruments, and what impact will they have on the future of BTC and, more broadly, on the investment landscape?

    Bitcoin “Spot” ETFs (exchange-traded funds), unlike their futures-based counterparts, don’t track the price of Bitcoin futures contracts. Instead, they take a more direct approach, holding the underlying asset – Bitcoin itself – in secure digital custodians. 

    This eliminates the potential for “basis risk,” a phenomenon where futures prices deviate from the actual cash price of Bitcoin. Simply put, Spot ETFs offer a more straightforward and transparent way to gain exposure to BTC’s price movements, akin to traditional gold-backed ETFs.

    Bitcoin Spot ETFs function similarly to their traditional counterparts, such as those tracking stock market indices. They pool investor capital, purchasing Bitcoin and holding it securely. Each share of the ETF represents a fractional ownership of the pooled Bitcoin, allowing investors to participate in the market without directly holding or managing the cryptocurrency themselves. This eliminates technical complexities and potential security risks, particularly for those with limited crypto experience, potentially broadening the base of Bitcoin investors. 

    The Genesis Of Bitcoin ETFs (Early Days and Conceptualization – 2013-2017)

    The earliest sparks of a Bitcoin ETF concept date back to 2013, when the Winklevoss twins first proposed their Gemini ETF. Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, both tech entrepreneurs with a vision in 2013, submitted the first application for a Bitcoin ETF, the Gemini ETF, sparking the decade-long journey to regulatory approval. 

    This audacious proposal was outrightly rejected by the SEC during the tenure of its former chairman, Jay Clayton, who later resigned in 2020 and became a supporter of cryptocurrency. Interestingly, Clayton is now actively involved in crypto regulations when he joined the advisory board of Fireblocks, a crypto custody platform.

    The following years were a crucible of innovation and uncertainty. While Bitcoin’s market capitalization surged, attracting both fervent supporters and cautious observers, the SEC remained hesitant. The regulator’s concerns about market manipulation, price volatility, and the nascent state of blockchain technology were cited as justifications for repeated rejections of subsequent ETF proposals, including Grayscale’s attempt to convert its Bitcoin Investment Trust into a spot ETF.

    Yet, amidst the rejections, there were flickers of progress. Technological advancements improved blockchain security and custody solutions, addressing initial concerns about vulnerability and potential wash trading. The global adoption of Bitcoin, particularly in Canada with its approval of Spot ETFs in 2021, served as a compelling case study for increased accessibility and market stability.

    This period also saw the SEC’s stance slowly evolve. The appointment of Gary Gensler as SEC Chair in 2021 brought a newfound openness to dialogue and exploration of potential regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies. The approval of the first US-listed futures-based bitcoin ETF in October 2021, despite its limitations, offered a glimpse of what could be.

    The Turning Point: A Decade Of Persistence Pays Off (2018-2023)

    While the 2017-2018 crypto boom and subsequent crash sent shockwaves through the industry, it also served as a crucible, forging resilience and fueling a renewed focus on compliance and innovation. Industry figures like Grayscale, undeterred by previous rejections, continued to refine their proposals, incorporating crucial safeguards and addressing regulatory concerns.

    This relentless pursuit of approval finally yielded results in 2023. In May, Cathie Wood’s ARK Investments filed for a spot bitcoin ETF, setting a definitive deadline for the SEC’s decision. 

    Then, in June, BlackRock’s entry into the arena with its own Spot Bitcoin ETF application sent ripples of excitement through the financial world. This move by a traditional financial giant signalled a crucial shift in sentiment, demonstrating growing institutional confidence in BTC’s potential.

    The months that followed were a whirlwind of activity. A flurry of applications from firms like Fidelity and Invesco poured in, fueled by the momentum of BlackRock’s move and the prospect of imminent approval. In August, a pivotal legal victory for Grayscale in the D.C. Circuit Court further strengthened the case for spot ETFs, forcing the SEC to re-examine its previous rejections.

    Finally, the SEC, in a historic decision, greenlighted 11 spot bitcoin ETF proposals, including those from BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck. This moment marked the culmination of a decade-long struggle, signifying the mainstream acceptance of investor participation in the cryptocurrency space.

    Ripples Across The Crypto Landscape: Implications Of Bitcoin Spot ETFs (2024)

    The arrival of spot ETFs has cast a wide net, sending ripples across various spheres of the financial world. There are a lot of potentials and challenges presented by spot ETFs, vital impact on market stability, institutional adoption, and regulatory oversight. There are positive predictions that the Bitcoin market cap could rise above $1 Trillion after the launch of Bitcoin Spot ETFs.

    Let’s contemplate the broader significance of this pivotal moment, what it means for the future of finance, and its relationship between technology and traditional financial systems here.

    Investor Crossroads

    For retail investors, Spot ETFs offer a convenient and familiar way to participate in the Bitcoin market without directly holding the cryptocurrency. This opens the door to broader adoption and increased liquidity, potentially leading to smoother price discovery and reduced volatility. The influential American magazine, Forbes predicted the BTC price will trade as high as $80,000 as a result of Bitcoin Spot ETFs’ approval. 

    The year 2024 is also shaping up to be a good one, if not one of the best seasons for cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, as it’s the season for Bitcoin halving, which will have another mega impact on the crypto industry. 

    However, the inherent risks of Bitcoin, including price fluctuations and potential exposure to fraud, must not be underplayed. Investors should approach spot ETFs with cautious optimism, ensuring a proper understanding of the technology, market dynamics, and associated risks before venturing in.

    Institutional Embrace Bitcoin

    The arrival of spot ETFs marks a significant step towards institutional acceptance of Bitcoin. The involvement of established financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity lends credibility to the cryptocurrency and paves the way for further integration with traditional financial products and services.

    Concerns remain about the impact of institutional involvement on market manipulation and potential conflicts of interest. However, regulatory oversight and robust compliance frameworks will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent market for all participants.

    Market Redefined

    Spot ETFs could potentially lead to greater market stability by introducing institutional investors and their risk management expertise. This could mitigate some of the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market, attracting a wider range of investors and fostering sustainable growth.

    The SEC’s approval represents a cautious acceptance, not a blank check. Further regulatory clarity and potential adaptation of existing frameworks might be required to effectively address the unique challenges posed by the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems.

    Beyond Bitcoin

    Spot ETFs could act as a gateway for investors to explore the broader crypto landscape. Their familiarity and ease of access might encourage exploration of other promising blockchain-based projects, accelerating the overall growth and development of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    The success of spot ETFs will hinge on the continued evolution of blockchain technology and associated infrastructure. Scalability, security, and user experience will remain key areas of focus for ensuring the smooth functioning and widespread adoption of crypto-based financial products.

    The 11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs products (with their ticker symbols) approved  on January 10, 2024, are:

    • Blackrock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
    • ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
    • WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)
    • Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
    • Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
    • VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
    • Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
    • Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
    • Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
    • Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
    • Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI)

    Conclusion

    The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is a watershed moment, not just for the cryptocurrency itself, but for the entire financial landscape. It marks a new chapter in the saga of Bitcoin, one where its disruptive potential can be harnessed within the framework of established financial systems.

    Also, this path forward is paved with both opportunities and challenges. Navigating regulations and addressing investor risk concerns are important to ensure seamless integration with traditional financial systems and regulatory bodies, which will be crucial in determining the ultimate success of this technological leap.

    Final Thoughts

    The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is not merely a regulatory green light; it’s a resounding declaration of Bitcoin’s arrival on the main stage of finance.

    Related Reading: Celestia Network: How To Stake TIA And Position For 5-Figure Airdrops

    However, the journey is far from over. This approval is a milestone, not a destination. As we stand at this turning point, it’s important to remember the spirit of defiance that birthed BTC. It was born from a desire for autonomy, for freedom from centralised control, and for a more equitable financial system. 

    While ETFs offer a bridge between this decentralized world and the established financial order, it’s crucial not to lose sight of these core principles.

    BTC price struggles post-Bitcoin Spot ETF approval | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com

    Featured image from Cryptopolitan, chart from Tradingview.com

    Disclaimer: The article is provided for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.

    [ad_2]

    Scott Matherson

    Source link

  • Coinbase Exec Uses The Law To Back Why SEC Should Approve A Spot Bitcoin ETF | Bitcoinist.com

    Coinbase Exec Uses The Law To Back Why SEC Should Approve A Spot Bitcoin ETF | Bitcoinist.com

    [ad_1]

    Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal has recently used the law to back the approval of a Spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighting that the US regulator should fulfill its responsibilities.

    Coinbase CLO Optimism On The Approval Of A Spot BTC ETF

    In an interview on Friday, with CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal, Paul expressed his optimism about the approval of Bitcoin ETF applications by the SEC. The Coinbase CLO said that he is quite confident that the SEC will soon approve a spot Bitcoin ETF, backing his belief under the law.

    “I’m quite hopeful that these [ETF] applications will be granted, if only because they should be granted under the law,” Paul stated.

    Following the interview, Paul highlighted his beliefs in the early success of approval, noting that the firms that have stepped forward with well-structured ETF proposals for these products and services are crucial players in the financial service industry.

    I think that the firms that have stepped forward with robust proposals for these products and services are among some of the biggest blue chips in financial services. So that, I think, suggests that we will see progress there in short order.

    However, Paul did not give a time frame as to when the approval will happen since the final decision about the approval ultimately lies with the SEC. However, he is still confident that the US regulator is likely to approve a Bitcoin ETF in a short period due to recent developments.

    Paul further backed his optimism following the SEC’s recent court setback when a judge from the US Court of Appeals stated that the US regulator had no grounds to deny Grayscale’s approval to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin (BTC) into a spot Bitcoin ETF, calling the SEC’s decision an arbitrary move.

    “I think that, after the U.S. Court of Appeals made clear that the SEC could not reject these applications on an arbitrary or capricious basis, we’re going to see the commission fulfill its responsibilities. I’m quite confident of that,” Paul stated.

    BTC breaks above $29,800 | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com

    In addition, Paul also highlighted the SEC’s failure to file an appeal on the ruling indicating a potential approval of a spot BTC ETF soon within the stipulated timespan that was given to them by the court.

    If an approval of a Spot ETF is made, BTC could experience a major rally. A Bitcoin ETF serves as a means for investors to invest in BTC without having to make a direct purchase of the digital asset from an exchange. 

    One of the major cryptocurrency exchanges that will benefit a lot from any Bitcoin ETF approval is Coinbase. This is because the crypto exchange’s common stock is held in portfolios tailored to give investors exposure to cryptocurrencies.

    JPMorgan On A Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval

    Analysts from JPMorgan, have also expressed their optimism on a Bitcoin ETF approval, that the ETF product could be available to the public by this Christmas.

    Due to recent developments following the approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF, the financial giant believes that there is a high chance that an ETF could gain approval before January 10, 2024.

    In addition, analysts from Bloomberg also believe that there is a 90% chance that a Bitcoin ETF will be approved next year.

    Featured image from Forkast News, chart from Tradingview.com

    [ad_2]

    Scott Matherson

    Source link

  • XRP News: Ripple Lawyer Sends A Message To The SEC | Bitcoinist.com

    XRP News: Ripple Lawyer Sends A Message To The SEC | Bitcoinist.com

    [ad_1]

    Pro-XRP legal expert Bill Morgan has voiced out his sentiments toward the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following the Commission’s decision to dismiss its claims against Ripple’s executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen.

    Pro-XRP Lawyer Wishes SEC The Worst

    In a series of posts made on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Morgan stated that he “sincerely” wishes the Commission “all the worst” in the penalties phase of the litigation and hoped that the court awards the “smallest penalties possible.”

    The penalty phase that Morgan is referring to is the period in which the SEC and Ripple are expected to meet and settle on the possible fine that Ripple has to pay regarding its institutional sales, which Judge Analisa Torres ruled constituted investment contracts. However, it is believed that Judge Torres might have to step in if both parties cannot agree on a remedy. 

    Meanwhile, the scheduled trial to hear the SEC’s case against Ripple and its founders has been following the Commission’s dismissal of its claims against Garlingouse and Larsen. The notion that the SEC can immediately proceed to appeal has also been refuted, as Judge Torres will need to give a final judgment (acknowledging the SEC’s dismissal and deciding on remedies for the violation with respect to the institutional sales).

    Token price reacts positively to SEC withdrawal | Source: XRPUSD on Tradingview.com

    Why The SEC Deserves The Worst

    In preceding tweets, Morgan had laid a foundation as to why the SEC deserves the worst and his lack of remorse for the Commission following all these losses it has gotten in its case against Ripple. He began by referring to when the SEC first filed its lawsuit against Ripple and its founders. 

    He noted how the Commission had sought an injunction to stop any future sale of XRP by Ripple and how this would have “ruined Rippled” and “deeply adversely affected the livelihood and lives” of Garlinghouse and Larsen if this injunction had been granted. 

    According to him, Ripple had done all this despite the fact that there was no allegation of fraud against Ripple and its executives, nor was there any evidence of investor harm. The regulator didn’t stop there as it also allegedly did “everything available to delay the matter and run up the defendants’ legal costs.”

    Ripple’s co-founder, Chris Larsen, had voiced similar sentiments when he stated that the SEC had to be held accountable for its actions. He noted how the Commission had come after him and Garlinghouse with baseless claims and that it had actively demolished the country’s global standing as the “home for innovation.”

    Featured image from Coingape, chart from Tradingview.com

    [ad_2]

    Scott Matherson

    Source link