Bitwise Submits SEC Application for Spot Ethereum ETF Listing

Asset management company Bitwise has submitted an application to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the listing and trading of shares for a spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Bitwise filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the SEC on March 28, seeking approval for shares of its Ethereum ETF. This filing coincides with speculation surrounding the SEC’s classification of Ether as a security, which could affect the potential approval of future spot ETFs.

According to a 19b-4 amendment filing with the SEC, Bitwise plans to list shares of the ETH investment product on NYSE Arca. This move follows Bitwise’s previous approval from the SEC to list and trade shares of its spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF in January.

The upcoming deadline for the SEC to approve or reject the latest batch of spot Ethereum (ETH) ETF applications is May 23, beginning with VanEck’s submission. While optimism was widespread for approval in 2023, some now speculate that applications could face denial extending into 2024.

Numerous companies, such as Fidelity, Hashdex, and ARK 21Shares, have pending spot ETH ETF applications awaiting decision. The SEC initiated the approval process for investment products linked to Ethereum futures in October 2023.