ARK 21Shares Join VanEck, Grayscale in Filing Form 8A for Bitcoin ETF: Here’s What it Means

VanEck's new SEC filing for a Spot Bitcoin ETF heats the race, joining giants like Fidelity and Grayscale ahead of the SEC decision.
By Kelvin Munene Murithi
Updated January 5, 2024
VanEck Predicts New ATH For Bitcoin, Ethereum & Solana In 2025

ARK Investment Management and 21Shares have submitted a registration for the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF. Earlier today, VanEck officially filed a registration of securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its Spot Bitcoin ETF. This move comes amid heightened anticipation for approving the first spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States. They join a list of more than a dozen applicants, including notable firms like Fidelity and Grayscale, all vying for this pioneering financial product.

Advertisement
Advertisement

ARK, VanEck Filings Intensify Race

The journey towards launching a Spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States has been marked by growing optimism despite concerns about potential rejections. Form 8-A for registration of securities with Cboe BZX is a crucial step. This comes as ARK 21Shares faces a SEC deadline of January 10 for a decision on its ETF. Meanwhile, the step by VanEck also underscores the company’s commitment and intensifies the competition in the final days leading to the SEC’s decision. Similarly, Fidelity and Grayscale have made strides with their respective filings, highlighting the burgeoning interest in this new investment avenue.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Goldman Sachs’ Strategic Positioning

Goldman Sachs has also emerged as a key player, seeking essential roles in the ETFs of both BlackRock and Grayscale. This involvement of major financial institutions reflects the growing legitimacy and interest in cryptocurrency-based financial products. The industry is now keenly awaiting the SEC’s decision, expected between January 8th and 10th.

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Balanced Path to Approval

The recent developments, including Fidelity’s approval from the CBOE to list its Bitcoin ETF offering, mark essential milestones in the regulatory journey. However, as highlighted by Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, it is important to note that these advancements do not equate to SEC approval for trading. The approval process requires the completion of various regulatory formalities, including the 19b-4 form and S1 filings.

The latest filings by ARK, VanEck, and Grayscale, combined with a reported meeting between the SEC and fund managers, confirm that the race for the Spot Bitcoin ETF is in its critical phase. The next week is poised to be a turning point for cryptocurrency investment in the U.S., with the possibility of the first ETFs beginning to trade.

Read Also: Bitcoin Halving Warrants Attention, Notes ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Author

Advertisement
Kelvin Munene Murithi
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.