Summary of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Application
- Asset management giant BlackRock has applied to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
- The move has sparked a debate within the crypto community, with mixed reactions and concerns about traditional financial giants entering the space.
- Critics argue that this could be part of a power shift favoring traditional finance firms, and that it poses a threat to cryptocurrency’s disruptive nature.
Mixed Reactions from Crypto Community
Asset management giant BlackRock’s recent application to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) has stirred up quite a debate in the crypto community. While some see it as validation for the industry after a turbulent period of bankruptcies and scandals, there are also those who raise red flags about BlackRock’s potential entry into the space. These people point out that the involvement of traditional Wall Street giants is likely looking out for themselves and not crypto-native companies and users.
Shift in Power?
Critics have suggested that this filing could be part of a broader power shift favoring traditional financial institutions in the crypto landscape. This sentiment was reinforced by the recent launch of EDX Markets, an exchange backed by Wall Street players such as Citadel Securities, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, as well as renewed ETF filings from Valkyrie Funds. It appears that these entities are more interested in taking advantage of what cryptocurrency has to offer than giving back to crypto users.
“Letting The Fox In The Hen House”
This brings us back to BlackRock’s move into the sector; skeptics have expressed concerns about its potential compromise of core principles such as privacy and decentralization. Business news outlet Insider likened this entry with “letting the fox in the hen house” since traditional finance firms typically play for keeps rather than collaborate on equal footing with other participants in an industry.
“Burn The Boats”
Underscoring Insider’s point is its reminder that contrary to what executives might say publicly, finance firms rarely if ever cooperate on equal terms with others – they tend to look out for their own interests first and foremost before anything else. As Insider said: “It’s not ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ It’s ‘burn the boats’.”
