Ethereum spot ETF could still be possible even if ETH is classified as a security: BlackRock CEO

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Even if Ethereum (ETH) is classified as a security, a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) might still be possible, suggested BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink on the ‘The Claman Countdown’ show.

Fink’s appearance and remarks were initially revealed by FOX Business reporter Eleanor Terrett. The highlighted conversation shows that Fink offered his perspective on the implications of such a classification for the future of spot Ethereum ETFs during the show.

“I don’t think that designation is going to be that deleterious,” Fink stated, suggesting the possibility of launching an Ethereum spot ETF regardless of the decision of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

BlackRock, along with major investment firms like ARK Invest and VanEck, is seeking approval from regulators to launch a spot Ethereum ETF. The SEC has until May 23 to decide on these applications.

Meanwhile, the green light for spot Ethereum ETFs remains shrouded in uncertainty, with experts expressing mixed views. Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas have expressed skepticism, citing the SEC’s lack of engagement with the filings as a negative sign.

This is what the table looks like at the moment. It doesn't change our view at the moment. Still think we likely see denials in May. (though i do still need to read through this doc more but on the road today) pic.twitter.com/txuFK8OeAq

— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) March 27, 2024

In contrast, Grayscale’s chief legal officer, Craig Salm, offers a counterpoint. He argues that the SEC’s prior engagement with spot Bitcoin ETF filings suggests they already have answers to most questions, especially considering the limited differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum.

3/ All of these issues were figured out and are identical when comparing spot #Bitcoin to #Ethereum ETFs. The only difference is rather than the ETF holding bitcoin, it holds ether. So in many ways, the SEC already has engaged and issuers simply have less to engage on this time.

— Craig Salm (@CraigSalm) March 25, 2024

Apart from the perceived lack of interaction with the filings, the SEC’s alleged investigation into the Ethereum Foundation has reignited debate over classifying Ether as a security. Such a classification is believed to derail efforts to create a spot Ether ETF.

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