• SEC acknowledges BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF filing for in-kind redemptions.
• BlackRock’s proposal could boost liquidity and cut transaction costs for ETFs.
• Ethereum price surges as ETF inflows hit $45M, sparking market optimism.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has acknowledged BlackRock’s application for in-kind redemptions in its Ethereum Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). This is a major step in the approval process for BlackRock’s spot-based Ethereum ETF. The SEC has opened a 240-day window for public comments before making its final decision on the proposed changes.

On May 10, BlackRock filed the amendment to allow in-kind creations and redemptions for its iShares Ethereum Trust ETF. The filing came after talks with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. In-kind redemptions allow authorized participants to convert Ethereum for ETF shares without capital gains taxes. If approved, the process will be carried out faster, at low costs and increase liquidity for participants.

The amendment would also introduce Anchorage Digital as an additional custodian for the Ethereum ETF. Anchorage will join Coinbase to secure the Ethereum assets, offering enhanced custodial security. The filing comes amid a surge in interest for Ethereum ETFs, as BlackRock reported its largest daily inflow of $45 million.

As part of its review, the SEC now welcomes public comments which could guide their ultimate decision. The proposed in-kind redemption model has drawn interest because its could be more beneficial than the in-cash model which requires people to sell Ethereum for cash during redemption. Experts in the industry believe that the in-kind model could improve the ETF’s performance and attract more institutional investors.

The filing demonstrates the shift in SEC’s approach to allow flexible structures for crypto ETFs. Earlier in the year, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF was forced to drop in-kind redemptions due to SEC requirements. However, after Gary Gensler exit as SEC Chair, the commission has shown a readiness to consider such mechanisms , particularly if they are in line with investors demands.

The SEC’s consideration of BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF amendment as cryptocurrency space gains momentum. Optimism about the ETF has led to a 2% rise in Ethereum’s price to reach $2,509. As Ethereum decreases on exchanges, analysts predict a rally that could take the price to $3,000.

Even with the benefits, the amendment may not be approved. The SEC has said it will review all comments received during the public comment period before a final decision is made. The result could influence how future cryptocurrency ETFs are formed and regulated.

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