ProShares applies for SEC approval to list Ethereum ETF on NYSE
ProShares, a well-known provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has submitted a proposal to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to list and trade spot Ethereum (ETH) ETF shares.
As per the filing with the United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the ProShares Ethereum ETF will utilize Coinbase Custody Trust Company for ETH custody. The company emphasized that it and its affiliates will not partake in any Ethereum staking activities.
Reports from Crypto.news indicate that potential spot Ethereum ETF issuers have made changes to their 19b-4 and S-1 filings to exclude staking elements. These adjustments are aimed at aligning with the SEC’s stance on staking for spot Ethereum ETFs.
However, the absence of staking capabilities in these approved ETFs may deter investors seeking additional yield from staking rewards. Typically, individuals who purchase, hold, and stake ETH can earn staking rewards, providing them with extra returns. By excluding this feature, spot Ethereum ETFs will not be able to offer these supplementary benefits to investors.
The SEC has a timeframe of 45 days, which can be extended to 90 days, from the publication date of the notice to respond to the filing. With ProShares’ spot ETH ETF filing on June 6, 2024, approval could potentially be granted by late July 2024.
This development comes after ProShares recently unveiled two Ethereum-linked ETFs: ProShares Ultra Ether ETF (ETHT) and ProShares UltraShort Ether ETF (ETHD), offering 2x and -2x daily ETH returns, respectively. Both ETFs are scheduled to be listed on the NYSE on Friday, June 7.
ProShares gained recognition for launching the first Bitcoin-linked ETF in 2021, the Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), which invests in futures contracts. However, unlike other major asset management firms such as Blackrock, Grayscale, and Fidelity, ProShares has not pursued a spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF.
It is important to highlight that approval for both filings is necessary for spot Ethereum ETFs to be officially traded in the market. The approval granted in May was specifically for the 19b-4.
Industry experts anticipate that the final approval for these ETFs could come in July 2024. These products are anticipated to offer investors new levels of flexibility and strategy, enabling them to navigate the volatile crypto market more effectively.
In the meantime, the Bitcoin ETF has attracted $2.4 billion after experiencing inflows for 15 consecutive days, as reported by Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas in a recent post on X.