The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made history on January 10, 2024, by approving 11 Bitcoin spot ETFs for public trading. This landmark decision authorizes funds from major asset managers including:
- BlackRock iShares
- Fidelity Investments
- ARK Investment Management
- Invesco
- WisdomTree
- Bitwise Asset Management
- Valkyrie
- Grayscale Investments
These ETFs will begin trading on Thursday, January 11, 2024, under the SEC's accelerated approval process. Unlike Bitcoin futures ETFs, these funds hold actual Bitcoin, making them "spot Bitcoin ETFs."
Approved Bitcoin Spot ETFs (Full List)
| ETF Name | Ticker | Management Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust | IBIT | 0.12% (First Year) |
| Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust | FBTC | 0.00% (First Year) |
| ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF | ARKB | 0.21% |
| WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund | BTCW | 0.30% |
| Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF | BTCO | 0.39% |
| Bitwise Bitcoin ETF | BITB | 0.20% |
| VanEck Bitcoin Trust | HODL | 0.25% |
| Franklin Bitcoin ETF | EZBC | 0.29% |
| Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund | BRRR | 0.49% |
| Grayscale Bitcoin Trust | GBTC | 1.50% |
| Hashdex Bitcoin ETF | DEFI | 0.90% |
*Note: IBIT, FBTC, and ARKB waive fees for the first year.
SEC Chair’s Statement on Approval
SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasized that while the ETFs were approved, Bitcoin itself remains unendorsed:
"Bitcoin is a volatile, speculative asset. These products will trade on regulated exchanges with anti-fraud protections, but investors should remain cautious."
Key points from his declaration:
- ETFs must comply with market manipulation prevention rules.
- The SEC will monitor trading activity closely.
- Investor protection mechanisms are prioritized.
👉 Learn how to invest in Bitcoin ETFs securely
FAQ: Bitcoin Spot ETFs
Q: How do Bitcoin spot ETFs differ from futures ETFs?
A: Spot ETFs hold physical Bitcoin, while futures ETFs track derivative contracts.
Q: Which ETF has the lowest fees?
A: Bitwise (BITB) charges 0.20% after promotional periods, but Fidelity (FBTC) offers 0% fees for the first year.
Q: Will Vanguard allow Bitcoin ETF purchases?
A: No. Vanguard has explicitly banned Bitcoin ETF transactions due to volatility concerns.
Q: When do Ethereum spot ETFs launch?
A: Approved ETH ETFs (e.g., Fidelity’s FETH) begin trading on July 23, 2024.
Brokerage Access for International Investors
While Vanguard restricts access, brokers like Interactive Brokers (IBKR) support global clients, including non-U.S. residents, with features like:
- 24/5 trading for 10,000+ assets
- 4.1% interest on idle cash
- U.S. Treasury bond trading
👉 Explore investment opportunities with trusted platforms
Key Takeaways
- Historic approval marks a milestone for crypto adoption.
- Fee wars intensify among issuers (BlackRock lowered IBIT fees to 0.12%).
- Regulatory scrutiny remains high—SEC warns of Bitcoin’s inherent risks.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always conduct independent research before investing.