The phenomenon of “bitcoin” has appeared in 1,074 regulatory documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November 2023. This significant increase from previous records indicates a growing interest in cryptocurrency among both companies and regulatory agencies.
Soaring Numbers: A Detailed Analysis
- Historical Highs: There was a 35.1% increase in filings mentioning bitcoin in November 2023 compared to November 2022, and a 32.6% rise from the previous high of 810 in May 2023.
- Month-over-Month Growth: November saw a 100% increase in filings compared to October 2023, likely due to the significance of November for quarterly earnings reports.
The Underlying Factors
- Increased Adoption and Recognition: The surge in bitcoin-related SEC filings reflects a growing adoption and recognition of cryptocurrency in the mainstream financial landscape.
- ETF Hype: Analysts believe the trend is driven by the interest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) related to bitcoin.
Also Read – Bitcoin Price Hit $44K, Here Are Top Factors Supporting The Bull Run
The ETF Landscape: A Closer Look
- Spot Bitcoin ETF Speculation: The financial industry is speculating about the potential approval of the first spot bitcoin ETF by the SEC.
- Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Filings: Nearly 40 filings in November came from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, mainly consisting of free writing prospectuses (FWPs).
The SEC is currently reviewing 13 applications for spot bitcoin ETFs from significant firms such as Franklin Templeton, Fidelity, BlackRock, and Grayscale. The future of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance will be significantly impacted in the coming months, particularly due to the SEC’s decision on the Grayscale Ethereum Trust’s spot ETF application being delayed until January 25, 2024. This decision will also affect other firms like BlackRock, which are eagerly awaiting approval for their spot ether ETFs.
Hot Take
The surge in bitcoin-related filings with the SEC points to a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in the mainstream financial landscape, and it signifies a landmark moment in the trajectory of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance. Watch this space for significant developments in the coming months!