Nasdaq has submitted an updated 19b-4 form to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for BlackRock’s proposed spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF).BlackRock’s updated form, filed on Wednesday, follows the SEC’s request earlier this week for exchanges to revise their 19b-4s, which are critical in the approval process for rule changes necessary for the ETFs to go live.
Yesterday, other ETF issuers, including Fidelity, VanEck, Invesco/Galaxy, Ark/21Shares, and Franklin Templeton, submitted their amended filings via CBOE. These amendments mark a significant step in the regulatory process for the potential launch of spot Ethereum ETFs.BlackRock’s filing notably states that the trust, nor any associated parties, will engage in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake validation or use the crypto to earn additional income. This prospect aligns with language seen in other recent amended filings.All eyes are now on the SEC’s decision on VanEck’s spot Ethereum ETF application. VanEck’s filing is expected to be the first to be ruled on. VanEck’s proposed ETF has already been listed on DTCC.According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, spot Ethereum ETFs could capture a significant portion of the assets invested in spot Bitcoin ETFs, if approved. Even though there’s progress, there’s still a hurdle to overcome before trading can commence – the S-1 registration forms need approval.
