Valkyrie Funds got approval from the SEC to add Ethereum futures to its existing Bitcoin ETF

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, investment manager Valkyrie Funds LLC has received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to add Ethereum futures to its existing Bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund (ETF). This regulatory green light marks a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency investors and enthusiasts alike, as it opens the door to Ethereum-based futures contracts within an ETF structure.

Valkyrie Funds wasted no time in implementing this groundbreaking decision. They have swiftly renamed their ETF to the "Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF" (BTF.O), reflecting the addition of Ethereum futures to their offering. This hybrid ETF is set to make its debut on Monday, as confirmed by Steven McClurg, Valkyrie's chief investment officer, in a statement to Reuters.

This move by Valkyrie Funds signifies a historic moment in the world of cryptocurrency investing. For the first time, investors will have access to futures contracts based on Ethereum, commonly referred to as "ether," through an exchange-traded fund. Ethereum, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has seen its popularity surge due to its versatile blockchain platform, which enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps).

While Valkyrie Funds is at the forefront of this groundbreaking development, they are not alone in recognizing the potential of Ethereum futures ETFs. Rival asset management firms, including VanEck and ProShares, have also set their sights on offering pure ether futures ETFs. These ETFs would provide investors with direct exposure to Ethereum futures contracts, further bolstering the cryptocurrency market's legitimacy and accessibility.

McClurg revealed that the SEC has granted VanEck and ProShares the green light to launch their respective Ethereum futures ETFs on the same day as Valkyrie Funds. While VanEck acknowledged the upcoming launch of its fund, it declined to provide further details or comments. A ProShares spokesman confirmed that their ETF is on track for launch but did not disclose specific timing.

The SEC's decision to approve Ethereum futures ETFs is a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry. It signifies a shift in the regulatory landscape, as the agency has historically been cautious and reserved regarding cryptocurrency-related financial products. This decision aligns with the industry's persistent efforts to expand the range of cryptocurrency ETFs available to investors. Notably, several companies have sought SEC approval to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs, which would provide direct exposure to the digital asset.

The anticipation of the SEC's approval for Ethereum futures ETFs has not gone unnoticed by the cryptocurrency market. Media reports speculating on this development have influenced Ethereum's price, causing it to rally nearly 6% in a single week. This surge includes a 3.3% increase on the day the news of Valkyrie Funds' approval broke.

While the price rally is evident, its precise cause remains a subject of speculation. Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, pointed out that it is unclear whether the recent price surge is a result of early buying in Ethereum futures by Valkyrie or anticipation-driven trading by other market participants. Sosnick aptly noted that both scenarios are plausible, highlighting the excitement and intrigue surrounding the cryptocurrency market.

In conclusion, Valkyrie Funds' successful approval to add Ethereum futures to their ETF marks a momentous occasion for cryptocurrency investors. This development not only provides diversification within the ETF landscape but also underscores the growing acceptance and recognition of cryptocurrencies by regulatory bodies. As other firms prepare to follow suit, the cryptocurrency market is poised for further expansion, offering investors an ever-expanding array of opportunities to engage with digital assets.