Cathie Wood, the leader of Ark Invest, and 21Shares have recently made a last-minute update to the form S-1 registration statement for the Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF ($ARKB), right before the final deadline on December 29, 2023.
On December 28, 2023, Ark Invest and 21Shares submitted the fifth amendment to the form S-1, amidst widespread anticipation of the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the financial markets. The recent amendment is reported to focus on alterations to the terms concerning authorized participants. However, Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, suggests that another amendment may still occur prior to the launch of the Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF.
Eric Balchunas mentioned that the final effective update before the launch might reveal the names of the authorized participants. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether the partnership between the US SEC and Ark 21Shares has signed an agreement.
In reference to Cathie Wood's company, the amendment made by Ark 21Shares suggests a shift in strategy, as they closed out a position in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). This could be seen as an indication of their preparations for the approval of the Bitcoin ETF, expected in early January 2024.
According to comments from analysts and a recent statement by Wood, it seems that the approval of the spot ETF is likely to happen soon. It is only a matter of time before the United States sees its first ever operational ETF of this kind. Previously, CoinGape reported that Wood expressed positive and encouraging sentiments about the ongoing dialogues with the US SEC staff regarding the ETFs.
Additionally, once the potential ETF is approved, the crypto community will eagerly anticipate the long-awaited Bitcoin Halving event, set to take place in the second quarter of 2024.
China has introduced stricter regulations requiring banks to monitor and report suspicious cryptocurrency transactions. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to control digital asset trading and prevent illegal activities like cross-border gambling.
WeatherlyData from the Bank of Korea (BOK) has showed that the number of cryptocurrency investors in Korea has reached 15.59 million as of November, an increase of 610,000 compared to the previous month, representing more than 30% of Korea's entire population of approximately 51.23 million.
XingChiLuxury brands and businesses like Printemps, S.T. Dupont, and Virgin Voyages are now accepting Bitcoin as payment, driven by its record value of over $108,000. This shift highlights growing interest in cryptocurrency for high-end purchases despite challenges like consumer education and regulatory barriers.
WeatherlyMicrosoft shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company's balance sheet, with only 0.55% in support. The board expressed concerns about Bitcoin's volatility, despite acknowledging its potential as an inflation hedge.
WeatherlyEl Salvador and Argentina have signed an agreement to collaborate on cryptocurrency regulation and innovation in Latin America. The deal aims to share expertise, boost crypto growth, and strengthen the regulatory framework for digital assets in both countries.
AnaisFormer Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Predicts China could beat the United States of America at building a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
XingChiBinance has not yet decided on its new global headquarters due to complexities like tax laws and talent acquisition challenges. Legal troubles, including Changpeng Zhao's legal issues and a $4.3 billion fine, have led Binance to restructure its leadership and adopt better governance strategies.
WeatherlyBilly Markus, the founder of Dogecoin, recently shared regret about selling 37.37 bitcoins in 2015 for $424,152.54 — a decision that would now be worth over $368 million. Despite stepping away from Dogecoin in 2015, Markus reflects on its impact as a cultural icon while highlighting its true value lies in its community and shared ideals, not just market performance.
WeatherlyBitcoin has reached a new all-time high, surpassing $100,000, while CZ remains unaffected by the surge, holding onto the same amount of Bitcoin. Binance Coin (BNB) also hit a record high, but CZ’s focus remains on Bitcoin’s long-term value rather than its fluctuating price.
WeatherlyMeitu sold its entire crypto portfolio, making nearly $80 million just before bitcoin’s surge above $100,000. The company plans to distribute 80% of the gains to shareholders and refocus on its AI-driven apps.
AnaisArk Invest, led by Cathie Wood, adjusted its portfolio by selling Coinbase and Robinhood shares amid market shifts following the U.S. approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The broader cryptocurrency landscape responded to evolving conditions.
Xu LinAfter many reversals and mistakes, the Bitcoin Spot ETF was finally approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
JinseFinanceBlackRock and Ark Investment Management have reduced fees for their Bitcoin ETFs ahead of the expected SEC approval, reflecting an industry-wide fee war. BlackRock's aggressive pricing strategy, including a 0.12% fee for the first $5 billion in assets, highlights the competition's intensity. While significant for mainstream crypto integration, potential challenges for smaller players and lingering regulatory issues persist in the evolving market landscape.
Cheng YuanARK Invest has tactically sold an additional $4.2 million worth of Coinbase shares, following a prior $25 million offload. This strategic move suggests a dynamic adjustment to ARK's portfolio amidst changing market conditions, with Coinbase's stock maintaining a significant position in ARK's Innovation ETF.
BerniceARK Invest, managed by Cathie Wood, attracted attention for selling $25 million in Coinbase (COIN) shares on January 3, amid a 3% stock decline to $152.24. This divestment trend has continued since December 2023, totaling over $125 million in COIN shares, signifying a significant shift in the company's investment strategy.
Xu LinARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has strategically liquidated its remaining $200 million GBTC holdings, redirecting $100 million to Bitcoin Futures ETF Bito. The move aligns with the anticipation of a potential spot Bitcoin ETF approval, reflecting ARK's proactive response to evolving market dynamics. Wood's optimism about Bitcoin's long-term growth remains strong, despite short-term market fluctuations tied to regulatory speculation.
BerniceHong Kong, embracing a crypto-friendly stance, may pioneer in launching Bitcoin spot ETFs in Asia, influenced by the U.S. and backed by a robust regulatory framework.
AlexThe looming prospect of a US Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) has ignited optimism within the crypto industry, but it has also raised concerns among Bitcoin mining firms.
JasperSamsung said that the listing of the ‘Samsung Bitcoin Futures Active ETF’ on the Hong Kong stock market would take place on January 13.
FinboldTwo ETF issuers filed two new and innovative applications for an inverse fund and a leveraged fund.
Cointelegraph