Former United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official, John Reed Stark, has expressed increased scepticism concerning the likelihood of receiving approval for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) from the regulatory body. In a recent statement, Stark conveyed, "The chances for SEC approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF are Slim and None (and Slim just left town)." Stark's perspective underscores the considerable challenges facing such an approval.
Stark bases his scepticism on several factors, primarily emphasising the absence of robust regulations and oversight within the cryptocurrency realm. On August 19, he utilised posted on X, characterising the cryptocurrency space as a hub of dubious schemes, fraudulent activities, and deceptive practices.
Specifically, Stark referenced a report published on August 2, which unveiled a prevalence of automated bots on the X platform influencing the prices of various cryptocurrencies. The study highlighted instances where altcoin prices, including those traded by Alameda Research, connected to FTX, surged prior to their subsequent downfall. The report indicated that mere mentions of altcoins by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, led to significant price spikes of up to 50 per cent within a single day.
Stark leverages these findings to reinforce his argument that the cryptocurrency sector presently lacks the necessary transparency. He stated that the absence of a genuine methodology to assess the value of intricate computational jargon is evident. There are no underlying principles, no financial statements, no cash inflow, no tangible product, and no competent leadership. Stark further accentuates the dearth of regulatory measures in the crypto space as a key factor contributing to his reservations about the SEC's potential endorsement of a Bitcoin ETF.
He elaborated that the absence of regulatory oversight specific to cryptocurrencies, coupled with a lack of transparency, consumer safeguards, insurance coverage, licensing protocols, net capital prerequisites, or any other meaningful customer protections, compounds the issue.
Stark had previously indicated the possibility of the SEC reevaluating its stance on Bitcoin ETFs post the United States Election Day on November 5, 2024.
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