crypto-news-flash.com
Hong Kong approves the first spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, set to begin trading on April 30, 2024.
- Anticipated “fee war” in cryptocurrency ETFs could lead to competitive pricing and market growth.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has officially greenlit the first spot-based Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as announced on the SFC’s website. Managed by Harvest Global Investments, China Asset Management (ChinaAMC), and a consortium of Bosera Asset Management and HashKey Capital, these ETFs are poised to transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for digital assets in Asia.
Notably, HashKey Exchange, the largest licensed virtual asset exchange in Hong Kong, has reported a trading volume of $4.8 billion, securing its position among the top 20 exchanges listed on Coingecko. This significant development was highlighted in a CNF YouTube video released today, which discusses the details of the approval and its implications for Asia’s cryptocurrency market.
Anticipated Fee War Among ETF Providers
Following the U.S. approval of similar ETFs, a competitive pricing strategy has emerged among ETF providers in Hong Kong. Analysts predict a “fee war,” initiated by Harvest Global Investments, which has decided to waive management fees for the first six months to secure a competitive edge. This strategy was also discussed in a recent tweet by James Seyffart, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlighting the potential for a fee war between issuers.
A potential fee war could break out in Hong Kong over these #Bitcoin & #Ethereum ETFs. Harvest coming in hot with a full fee waiver and the lowest fee at 0.3% after waiver. Tables are from my colleagues @RebeccaSin_SK & @thetrinianalyst! pic.twitter.com/zI1XobrTwZ
— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) April 24, 2024
Cryptocurrency Market Reacts to ETF Approvals
The crypto market has responded positively to the news of the ETF approvals. A recent tweet from Wu Blockchain confirmed that HashKey Exchange completed the first cryptocurrency subscription for the newly approved Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs. These ETFs, which begin trading on April 30, allow for cryptocurrency redemptions without immediate sale of the underlying assets, offering cost and liquidity advantages that are crucial for both issuers and investors.
HashKey Exchange announced that it has completed the first cryptocurrency subscription for Bitcoin spot ETF and Ethereum spot ETF of Hong Kong Bosera International and HashKey Capital. Cryptocurrency redemption means that the underlying assets do not have to be sold immediately,…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 25, 2024
U.S. Market Influence and Trends
As of February 28, 2024, a CNF post highlighted the Bitcoin ETF frenzy in the U.S., with a record $2.4 billion trading turnover in a single day. U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs have consistently traded above $2 billion. Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, reported that nine U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs accounted for approximately $2.4 billion in trading turnover. Currently, according to Today’s Coin Market Cap, BTC has surged by 5.76% over the past week, with a price of $64,356.
Chart: