Cathie Wood Plans to Launch Cryptocurrency ETFs with 21Shares
ARK Invest’s CEO, Cathie Wood, has revealed the company’s intention to introduce five cryptocurrency-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in collaboration with 21Shares. These ETFs will provide exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, as well as equities of firms involved in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Wood anticipates that these new products will be particularly appealing to institutional investors and views them as a precursor to the potential approval of a spot bitcoin ETF by U.S. regulators. ARK has an application for a spot Bitcoin ETF pending with the SEC, and Wood notes that the SEC has been asking more in-depth questions recently, indicating a potential shift in their approach.
Wood also addressed concerns about potential manipulation in Bitcoin markets and speculated about Chairman Gary Gensler’s motivations for denying spot Bitcoin ETFs. She attributed part of the recent Bitcoin rally to anticipation of an ETF approval but also highlighted strong network fundamentals driving the bull market.
Cathie Wood’s Take on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Altcoins
Wood expressed confidence in Bitcoin as the ultimate pure play on the cryptocurrency revolution, while also acknowledging Ethereum’s smart contract functionality and mentioning emerging players like Solana. She believes that the new futures-based ETFs offer a diversified way for investors to access the crypto space but maintains that Bitcoin will outperform in the long term. The anticipated launch date for these ETFs is early 2022.