SEC Accepts Trump Media Bitcoin Ethereum ETF Application

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially accepted the application for a combined Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) filed by Trump Media, marking a significant step in crypto investment products. This proposed ETF aims to provide investors with direct exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), allocating 75% to Bitcoin and 25% to Ether, with custody managed by Crypto.com and sponsorship by Yorkville America Digital.

SEC acceptance of Trump Media’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF application initiates review, reflecting evolving regulatory stance on crypto ETFs and investor exposure. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s acknowledgment of Trump Media’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF application officially starts the regulatory review period, a critical milestone for crypto investment products. The ETF proposes a dual-asset structure, with 75% allocated to Bitcoin and 25% to Ether, offering investors diversified exposure to the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The fund plans to list shares on the NYSE Arca exchange, which is known for hosting various innovative ETFs.

Custody of the underlying crypto assets will be handled by Foris DAX Trust Company, operating as Crypto.com, ensuring secure storage with private keys held in cold storage. Yorkville America Digital will serve as the fund’s sponsor, responsible for managing the fund’s operations and regulatory compliance. This collaboration between established crypto custodians and asset managers underscores the growing institutional interest in regulated crypto investment vehicles.

The ETF’s net asset value (NAV) will be calculated daily, with Bitcoin’s valuation based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, which aggregates trade data from multiple major exchanges to provide a reliable price benchmark. Similarly, Ether’s valuation will use the CME CF Ether Reference Rate, unless the sponsor exercises discretion to adjust the methodology. This transparent pricing mechanism aims to reduce volatility and provide investors with a clear understanding of the fund’s value.

Importantly, the custodian will segregate the ETF’s Bitcoin and Ether holdings from other customer assets, mitigating risks related to asset commingling. The use of cold storage for private keys further enhances security, addressing one of the primary concerns for institutional investors considering crypto exposure.

In parallel developments, the SEC has postponed its decision on Fidelity’s proposed spot Solana (SOL) ETF, extending the public comment period and requesting additional feedback. This delay reflects the regulator’s cautious approach to approving spot crypto ETFs, particularly those involving altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ether. The Cboe BZX Exchange initially filed for the Solana ETF listing in late March, but the SEC’s request for amendments and extended review timelines indicates ongoing scrutiny.

Industry analyst James Seyffart highlights that the SEC’s recent actions, including delays and amendment requests, signal cautious but progressive regulatory engagement with crypto ETFs. Seyffart’s insights suggest that the SEC’s recent interactions with issuers, including amendment requests and extended review windows, should be interpreted as positive signs of regulatory engagement rather than outright rejection. The SEC appears to be working towards establishing a more streamlined framework for digital asset exchange-traded products (ETPs), which could facilitate future approvals.

While the process involves iterative back-and-forth between issuers and regulators, these developments indicate a maturing regulatory environment that balances investor protection with innovation. Market participants are advised to monitor these regulatory updates closely as they could shape the landscape for crypto investment products in the near term.

The SEC’s acceptance of the Trump Media Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF application marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of regulated crypto investment products, signaling increased institutional interest and regulatory oversight. Although delays persist for other crypto ETFs like Fidelity’s Solana proposal, ongoing regulatory dialogues suggest a cautious but constructive approach toward integrating digital assets into mainstream financial markets. Investors and industry stakeholders should remain attentive to forthcoming SEC decisions, which will likely influence the trajectory of crypto ETFs and broader market adoption.