Coinbase Exec Uses The Law To Back Why SEC Should Approve A Spot Bitcoin ETF

Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal has recently used the law to back the approval of a Spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighting that the US regulator should fulfill its responsibilities.

Coinbase CLO Optimism On The Approval Of A Spot BTC ETF

In an interview on Friday, with CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal, Paul expressed his optimism about the approval of Bitcoin ETF applications by the SEC. The Coinbase CLO said that he is quite confident that the SEC will soon approve a spot Bitcoin ETF, backing his belief under the law.

“I’m quite hopeful that these [ETF] applications will be granted, if only because they should be granted under the law,” Paul stated.

Following the interview, Paul highlighted his beliefs in the early success of approval, noting that the firms that have stepped forward with well-structured ETF proposals for these products and services are crucial players in the financial service industry.

I think that the firms that have stepped forward with robust proposals for these products and services are among some of the biggest blue chips in financial services. So that, I think, suggests that we will see progress there in short order.

However, Paul did not give a time frame as to when the approval will happen since the final decision about the approval ultimately lies with the SEC. However, he is still confident that the US regulator is likely to approve a Bitcoin ETF in a short period due to recent developments.

Paul further backed his optimism following the SEC’s recent court setback when a judge from the US Court of Appeals stated that the US regulator had no grounds to deny Grayscale’s approval to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin (BTC) into a spot Bitcoin ETF, calling the SEC’s decision an arbitrary move.

“I think that, after the U.S. Court of Appeals made clear that the SEC could not reject these applications on an arbitrary or capricious basis, we’re going to see the commission fulfill its responsibilities. I’m quite confident of that,” Paul stated.

In addition, Paul also highlighted the SEC’s failure to file an appeal on the ruling indicating a potential approval of a spot BTC ETF soon within the stipulated timespan that was given to them by the court.

If an approval of a Spot ETF is made, BTC could experience a major rally. A Bitcoin ETF serves as a means for investors to invest in BTC without having to make a direct purchase of the digital asset from an exchange. 

One of the major cryptocurrency exchanges that will benefit a lot from any Bitcoin ETF approval is Coinbase. This is because the crypto exchange’s common stock is held in portfolios tailored to give investors exposure to cryptocurrencies.

JPMorgan On A Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval

Analysts from JPMorgan, have also expressed their optimism on a Bitcoin ETF approval, that the ETF product could be available to the public by this Christmas.

Due to recent developments following the approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF, the financial giant believes that there is a high chance that an ETF could gain approval before January 10, 2024.

In addition, analysts from Bloomberg also believe that there is a 90% chance that a Bitcoin ETF will be approved next year.