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Grayscale Switches to Cash Model for Bitcoin ETF Despite Potential Negative Outcomes

The Bold Move by Grayscale Investments towards a Cash Creation Model

In an unexpected turn of events, Grayscale Investments opted for a cash creation model with the proposal of its spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), straying from the conventional in-kind model. Nevertheless, Grayscale’s transition does not come without perceived risks.

The company shared apprehensions about this newfound method which yet needs to stand the test of time, stating that operational inefficiencies could bear an impact due to the untested nature of this model, according to their filing with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Continued Journey Toward Spot Bitcoin ETF

The SEC received yet another amendment to Form S-3 registration statement from the crypto asset manager, Grayscale Investments, on December 26. The document highlighted their intentions to employ a cash creation process for the proposed spot Bitcoin ETF, in contrast to the in-kind model traditionally used.

Interestingly, the current system allows for the acceptance of cash orders. However, creating and redeeming shares via in-kind transactions is not viable at present. Furthermore, clarification on whether registered broker-dealers can transact Bitcoin under the federal security laws is still awaited.

The ultimate aim of Grayscale is to morph its Bitcoin trust (GBTC) into a spot Bitcoin ETF. Although the SEC snubbed the company’s filing initially, a reevaluation was ordered by the court. Both Grayscale and Blackrock, the global supergiant in asset management, had advocated for an in-kind model. Yet, the SEC had a different plan, promoting a cash creation model instead.

According to Grayscale, lacking the provisions for in-kind creations and redemptions could work unfavorably for the trust. To their understanding, all other spot-market commodity exchange-traded products operate via in-kind creations and redemptions, wherein lies a perceived efficiency of the in-kind process.

It is believed that the in-kind order is less costly and operationally safer, granting the authorized participant to control the trade of the underlying asset instead of relying on an external entity, such as the issuer or sponsor. This cash-only creation and redemption method could possibly result in operational inefficiencies, potentially causing the shares to be traded at a premium or discount to NAV (Net Asset Value) per share, creating volatile discrepancies.

Reshuffles at Grayscale and the Implications

In other recent developments, Barry Silbert resigned from Grayscale’s board of directors. Amidst all this, the SEC had set a December 29 deadline for any amended filings to be considered for the first phase of spot Bitcoin ETF decisions.

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Frequently asked Questions

1. Why did Grayscale switch to a cash model for their Bitcoin ETF?

Grayscale made the decision to switch to a cash model for their Bitcoin ETF to address potential negative outcomes associated with physical Bitcoin holdings.