Australia to Welcome Bitcoin ETFs by 2024

Australia is on the brink of a crypto revolution, with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) primed to introduce its inaugural spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the close of 2024. This move mirrors the strides taken by financial markets in the U.S. and Hong Kong, both of which have greenlit similar ventures.

Founded in 1987, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) stands tall with an impressive daily turnover averaging AUD $4.685 billion ($1.7 trillion). It holds its position as one of the world’s top 20 listed exchange groups, reigning as the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Anticipating Crypto’s Impact

The imminent debut of spot Bitcoin ETFs on ASX has already stirred activity among industry giants. Leading the charge are notable names like BetaShares, VanEck, and DigitalX, all actively strategizing the launch of their crypto products. Despite this fervor, ASX remains coy on a specific timeline, with an exchange spokesperson indicating ongoing engagements with multiple issuers.

In a recent commentary for Bloomberg, Jamie Hannah, deputy head of investments and capital markets for VanEck Australia, shed light on the transformative potential of these ETFs. He envisions self-managed superannuation programs, which currently command a quarter of Australia’s $2.3 trillion pension market, as pivotal players in the adoption of spot-crypto funds.

The path to embracing crypto ETFs hasn’t been devoid of challenges. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently cleared the way for spot Bitcoin ETFs on all registered national exchanges, marking a significant milestone after a decade-long pursuit. Similarly, Hong Kong took a decisive step forward in mid-April with conditional approvals for its inaugural spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, positioning itself as Asia’s vanguard in embracing crypto investments.

With Australia poised to join the ranks of nations embracing crypto ETFs, the financial landscape is on the cusp of a transformative shift, signaling broader acceptance and integration of digital assets into mainstream investment portfolios.