SEC Delays Decisions on Hashdex and Grayscale's Ethereum-Focused ETFs, Calls for Public Input

According to The Block: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has further delayed its decisions on the approval of two proposed Ethereum-focused ETFs, the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF and the Grayscale Ethereum Futures Trust. On Monday, the agency initiated proceedings for both applications and is now seeking public input on whether these exchange-traded funds (ETFs) should be given permission to list, as per the filings. The SEC had previously approved an ether futures-based ETF but has yet to give its approval for a spot ether or mixed fund. October saw the simultaneous approval of nine futures-based products, which made their debut then. The crypto industry now watches with bated breath to see if the SEC will accord approval to spot bitcoin ETFs, given that firms have been interacting with the agency's staff over the last month to discuss specifics. The decision on the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF, which aims to hold both spot ether and futures contracts under the management of Toroso Investments, was previously delayed by the SEC last month. Toroso Investments is registered as a commodity pool operator with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is part of the National Futures Association. The SEC also deferred the decision on Grayscale's proposed Ethereum futures ETF last month. Monday's filing includes probing questions for potential commentators about whether ether's proof-of-stake consensus could engender concerns related to fraud and manipulation. The deadline for comments for both Grayscale and Hashdex is approximately 21 days from now.