In a significant development, Bitcoin ETFs have secured approval exactly 15 years after Hal Finney's groundbreaking "Running Bitcoin" tweet. The cypherpunk legend, who passed away in August 2014, not only holds the distinction of being the first person, aside from Satoshi Nakamoto, to download and run Bitcoin's software but also foresaw its rapid growth. In an email to Nakamoto, Finney estimated a future where each of the 21 million coins could be worth a staggering $10 million.
The Journey from "Running Bitcoin" to Wall Street Adoption
On January 11, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted approval for the first-ever spot Bitcoin ETF, marking a pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency's history. Established financial giants like BlackRock and Fidelity, along with the crypto-native Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), now operate as approved providers for these ETFs. Fees associated with these products range from zero to 1.5%.
While Bitcoin initially emerged as an anti-establishment concept, its adoption on Wall Street signifies a paradigm shift, positioning the digital token for widespread growth as an alternative asset. The SEC's green light for these regulated products allows investors and funds to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the risks tied to managing a cryptocurrency wallet, overcoming years of delays and outright rejections.
Navigating Through Rejections and Delays
The road to approval was not without its challenges. Co-founders of the Gemini crypto exchange, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, filed their first application with the SEC in 2013 to create a spot Bitcoin ETF, only to face prompt rejection. Grayscale, a major player in the crypto space, has been attempting to convert its trust into an ETF since 2017.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on a summary from azcryptoreviews on Jan 11, 2024, and may not reflect real-time developments. Always conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
