SEC delays decisions on Hashdex and Grayscale Ethereum-focused ETFs

The Securities and Exchange Commission further punted decisions on whether to approve or disapprove applications for a number of proposed Ethereum ETH +2.27% -focused ETFs.

The agency on Monday said it was "instituting proceedings" for the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF and the Grayscale Ethereum Futures Trust, asking for public input on whether the exchange-traded funds should be allowed to list, according to filings. 

Later on Monday, the SEC also delayed decisions on the VanEck Ethereum ETF and the ARK 21Shares Ethereum ETF — and asked for public input.

While the SEC has approved an ether futures-based ETF before, it has not given the greenlight to a spot ether or mixed fund. In October, nine futures-based products were approved at the same time, marking their debut.

The crypto industry is anxiously waiting to find out whether the SEC will approve of spot bitcoin ETFs, as firms have met with the agency's staff over the past month to go over details.

Previous delays

The SEC previously delayed a decision on the Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF last month. The ETF wants to hold both spot ether and futures contracts and is managed and controlled by Toroso Investments, which is registered as a commodity pool operator with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and member of the National Futures Association. 

The agency first delayed Grayscale's proposed Ethereum futures ETF last month. The agency asked commenters on Monday about whether ether's proof of stake consensus raises concerns around fraud and manipulation. 

Comments for VanEck, Grayscale, ARK 21Shares and Hashdex are due in about 21 days.

Updated at 3:45 p.m. ET to include VanEck 

Updated at 4:45 p.m. ET to include ARK 21Shares