Crypto: Grayscale and a16z Turn Up the Pressure on the SEC Over New ETFs

Grayscale, a16z and the Crypto Council for Innovation ask the SEC not to automatically tighten the rules for the new generation of ETFs. The crypto sector especially refuses that Bitcoin, Ethereum or other digital assets be placed in the same category as private asset funds, leveraged strategies or event contracts. The three organizations want faster reviews tailored to the real risk of each product.

In brief

Crypto refuses a single rule for all ETFs

The SEC has been working on this file for several weeks. The regulator opened at the end of June a consultation on new ETFs and digital assets. Grayscale and a16z have now responded.

The common point between their letters is quite clear: a crypto ETF should not automatically face new constraints simply because the SEC considers it “novel,” that is, new or unusual. The category studied by the regulator is very broad.

It can include products exposed to crypto, private assets, commodities, a single stock, highly leveraged strategies, or prediction markets. a16z believes these products do not present the same liquidity, valuation, or investor protection issues.