This $1.5 Trillion Asset Manager Filed for Spot Bitcoin ETF

Franklin Templeton has stolen the spotlight of the crypto market. The renowned asset manager with nearly $1.5 trillion under management disclosed its intention to launch a Spot Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund).

According to a recent filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a ticker for this financial product remains unspecified. Yet, the development holds significant implications for the crypto industry.

Franklin Templeton Files for Spot Bitcoin ETF

Traditional financial institutions are increasingly showing interest in the crypto market. Still, Franklin Templeton’s prior restraint from crypto ETFs renders this announcement particularly noteworthy.

The strategic decision aligns with industry giants like BlackRock and Fidelity. All echo the sentiment that the SEC might soon relent to the growing demand for a Spot Bitcoin ETF. This financial product would provide mainstream investors a seamless channel to weave Bitcoin into their diversified portfolios.

Read more: Here Is the Full List of Spot Bitcoin ETF Applications and Deadlines

The Franklin Spot Bitcoin ETF, as laid out in the SEC filing, aims to emulate the price performance of Bitcoin. This commitment sees its physical backing from Bitcoin overseen by Coinbase Custody Trust Company, serving as the fund’s custodian.

While Franklin Templeton remains tight-lipped beyond its filing, the implications of this move are vast. However, an ensemble of financial entities, including Ark Invest and 21Shares, has made overtures for a Spot Bitcoin ETF. Despite their efforts, the SEC has historically been wary, declining all such attempts.

Yet, the sentiment appears to be shifting. Grayscale recently celebrated a victory against the SEC in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, which critiqued the financial watchdog’s rationale in previous denials.

 “The denial of Grayscale’s proposal was arbitrary and capricious because the Commission failed to explain its different treatment of similar products,” the court said.

Read more: Experts Say “Buy Crypto Now” Before Spot Bitcoin ETFs Approval

Such developments have led experts to boost the probability of a Spot Bitcoin ETF approval to 75% by the end of 2023. Given Franklin Templeton’s pedigree, this new endeavor could be the nudge needed for crypto’s mainstream adoption.