The Fate of Spot Bitcoin ETF in SEC Commissioners’ Hands: Diverse Perspectives on Cryptocurrency

DigiFinex
3 min readJan 10, 2024
(via Fiahub)

Critical Decision Looming: SEC’s Verdict on Spot Bitcoin ETF

As the decisive date of January 10th for the approval or rejection of Spot Bitcoin ETF approaches, speculation is rife. The final verdict lies in the hands of the five current commissioners of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Chair Gary Gensler and Commissioners Hester M. Peirce, Caroline A. Crenshaw, Mark T. Uyeda, and Jaime Lizárraga.

(via SEC)

Further reading:SEC Gary Gensler’s Market Manipulation Performance on the Eve of Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval?

Dissecting the Commissioners’ Stance on Crypto and Spot Bitcoin ETF

We delve into the past statements of each commissioner to gauge their potential choices in this pivotal vote.

  1. Chair Gary Gensler: Known as the ‘industry adversary’, Gensler’s stance on Crypto has shifted drastically from his earlier academic research days. His recent reminders about the risks of crypto investments suggest a likely opposition in the vote, but surprises are not off the table given SEC’s recent extensive collaboration with ETF applicants.
  2. Commissioner Hester M. Peirce: Dubbed ‘Crypto Mom’ for her friendly stance towards Crypto, Peirce has been vocal against litigation over regulation and has previously expressed that spot Bitcoin ETFs should have been approved five years ago. A ‘yes’ vote is highly anticipated from her.
  3. Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw: Comparatively less focused on Crypto, Crenshaw’s few statements suggest a conservative approach towards digital assets. She emphasized regulatory concerns in DeFi and cautioned investors about crypto’s ‘infamous’ scams.
  4. Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda: Like Peirce, Uyeda has shown a supportive stance towards Crypto. He jointly opposed SEC’s action against industry projects and critiqued the Commission’s double standards in delaying spot Bitcoin ETF approvals. His vote is likely to be in favor.
  5. Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga: The most distant from the Crypto industry among the commissioners, Lizárraga has been almost silent on Crypto and blockchain, making his voting inclination hard to predict.

Further reading:SEC Chair Hints at Imminent Approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs? Gary Gensler’s Warning on Crypto Volatility

Conclusion: A Mix of Perspectives

With Peirce and Uyeda leaning towards support and Gensler’s unpredictable stance, the approval of the ETF seems hopeful. However, it’s important to note that these are interpretations based on historical statements and may not fully represent the commissioners’ comprehensive judgment.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

The fate of the Spot Bitcoin ETF hangs in the balance. The outcome, possibly swaying towards approval with a majority of three votes, remains to be seen. Let’s await the final day for destiny’s answer.

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Keywords: SEC, Spot Bitcoin ETF, Cryptocurrency, Gary Gensler, Hester M. Peirce, Caroline A. Crenshaw, Mark T. Uyeda, Jaime Lizárraga, Crypto Regulation, ETF Approval

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