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US Lawmakers Demand that the SEC Allows Trading in Bitcoin Spot ETFs

US Lawmakers Urge SEC to Permit Trading of Bitcoin Spot ETFs

U.S. lawmakers called for the Securities and Exchange Commission to approve bitcoin spot exchange traded funds (ETFs). Since the SEC has approved the trading of bitcoin futures ETFs, the lawmakers said it “should no longer have concerns with bitcoin spot ETFs and should show a similar willingness to permit the trading of bitcoin spot ETFs.”

U.S. U.S. Representatives Tom Emmer and Darren Soto wrote a bipartisan letter Wednesday to Gary Gensler (SEC) regarding bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETFs). The SEC approved two bitcoin futures ETFs so far but has not yet approved any bitcoin spot ETF.

Rep. Emmer stated:

The SEC’s approach towards cryptocurrency regulation is unacceptable. Although trading bitcoin futures ETFs represents a significant step forward for millions of American investors, it is absurd that bitcoin spot ETFs can’t also begin trading.

Reps Emmer and Soto noted that the SEC approved two Bitcoin Futures ETFs. They wrote: “We are questioning why, if we are comfortable allowing trading into an ETF based upon derivatives contracts, why are you not equally or greater comfortable allowing trading trading to begin in ETFs which are based spot bitcoin .”

They explained that “Bitcoin spot ETFs” are directly based on the asset and inherently provide more protection for investors. Futures products, however, are “potentially much more volatile than a Bitcoin spot ETF and may impose substantially greater fees on investors .”

Referring to the SEC’s prior reasoning for disallowing spot Bitcoin ETFs, lawmakers stated that “Since [the SEC] no longer has concerns about bitcoin futures ETFs,” then “it therefore presumably has changed it view about the underside spot bitcoin market since bitcoin futures are, in definition, a derivative the underlying Bitcoin spot markets.”

The SEC should not have any concerns about bitcoin spot ETFs. They should also be open to permitting the trading of bitcoin spot eTFs.

The letter also notes that while the SEC continues to deny bitcoin ETFs, “numerous spot bitcoin investment vehicles have been offered,” with more than $40 billion in assets under management (AUM).

” However, since these products were unable to register with the SEC as ETFs, public trading usually occurs at a value which is not equal to net asset valuation. In fact, these products are currently trading at steep discounts to net asset values,” the congressmen stated. They explained:

Permitting futures-based ETFs while simultaneously continuing to deny spot-based ETFs would further perpetuate these discounts and clearly go against the SEC’s core mission of protecting investors.

The letter concludes with: “The SEC has the ability to approve Bitcoin futures ETFs as evidenced by the trading of such products. So it should also have the ability to approve bitcoin spot ETFs .”

What do you think about the SEC approving bitcoin futures ETFs but not bitcoin spot ETFs? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

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Bitcoin traded at $85,287 on Saturday, commanding a $1.69 trillion market capitalization while moving $10.68 billion across exchanges in 24 hours. During the session, the leading cryptocurrency by market cap roamed between $84,366 and $85,398, packing price tension into a narrow corridor that could ignite the next decisive break…
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MEXC launches STORY (IP) launchpool & airdrop+, offering 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT in bonuses

MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, has announced the launch of its Launchpool initiative in collaboration with the renowned blockchain project STORY (IP). This initiative highlights the close partnership between MEXC and STORY, showcasing their joint efforts to expand the STORY network. By introducing two major events—a Launchpool featuring a 60,000 IP reward pool…


MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, has announced the launch of its Launchpool initiative in collaboration with the renowned blockchain project STORY (IP).

This initiative highlights the close partnership between MEXC and STORY, showcasing their joint efforts to expand the STORY network. By introducing two major events—a Launchpool featuring a 60,000 IP reward pool and an Airdrop+ offering 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT—this collaboration further accelerates the growth of the STORY network while driving innovation in the blockchain space.

MEXC Supports the STORY Network with the Launch of IP Launchpool

In the digital age, traditional intellectual property (IP) management faces growing challenges. Centralized platforms and complicated intermediaries often lead to inefficiencies, high costs, and trust issues for creators. As a Layer 1 blockchain built with Cosmos SDK, STORY combines DeFi and AI technologies to offer automated, transparent, and cost-effective IP management solutions. With full EVM compatibility and a modular architecture, STORY empowers creators to tokenize their IP assets, automate royalties, and simplify licensing processes. MEXC’s support of the STORY network highlights the growing importance of such innovations in blockchain. 

As a global leader in digital asset trading, MEXC consistently supports innovative blockchain projects. Its Launchpool initiative with STORY reaffirms this commitment. This collaboration not only strengthens the STORY ecosystem but also empowers global creators and developers to explore the potential of decentralized IP management. MEXC’s broad market coverage and strong liquidity offer the environment for blockchain projects like STORY to thrive and bring new possibilities to the digital economy. By allowing users to stake USDT, MX, and IP tokens to earn rewards, MEXC provides a platform for increased exposure and growth for STORY. Visit the STORY (IP) pre-market page to see this innovation in action.

Celebrate the IP Launchpool & Airdrop+ with a Prize Pool of 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT

As a pioneer in the cryptocurrency industry, MEXC continues to foster innovation and support emerging blockchain ecosystems. MEXC is hosting two major STORY (IP) events: the Airdrop+ event, running from February 12, 2025, 10: 00 (UTC) to February 26, 2025, 10: 00 (UTC), featuring 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT in rewards, and the Launchpool, taking place from February 12, 2025, 10: 00 (UTC) to February 15, 2025, 10: 00 (UTC), with a 60,000 IP reward pool. These initiatives underscore MEXC’s ongoing commitment to advancing blockchain innovation and delivering valuable opportunities to the crypto community.

These activities include:

  • Event 1: IP Launchpool – Stake USDT, MX & IP to Share 60,000 IP
  • Event 2: Join Airdrop+ to Share 8,500 IP & 50,000 USDT bonus
    • Perk 1: Deposit and Share 5,600 IP (New User Exclusive).
    • Perk 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to Share 1,700 IP.
    • Perk 3: Futures Challenge – Trade to Share 50,000 USDT in Futures Bonuses.
    • Perk 4: Invite New Users and Share 1,200 IP.

MEXC continues to expand its market share in the centralized exchange space, leveraging its first-mover advantage in listing promising and valuable projects. As one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, with its commitment to innovation, user-centric approach, and strategic focus on early-stage token listings, MEXC remains at the forefront of the crypto industry, providing strong access to the rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website X TelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC


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Jailed BTC-e operator Vinnik released in US-Russia prisoner swap

US to release jailed BTC-e operator Alexander Vinnik in a prisoner swap with Russia. Vinnik, arrested in 2017, is part of the exchange that saw Russia release jailed US schoolteacher Marc Fogel. Alexander Vinnik, jailed in the US after being convicted on charges of money laundering, is being released as part of a prisoner swap.…


  • US to release jailed BTC-e operator Alexander Vinnik in a prisoner swap with Russia.
  • Vinnik, arrested in 2017, is part of the exchange that saw Russia release jailed US schoolteacher Marc Fogel.

Alexander Vinnik, jailed in the US after being convicted on charges of money laundering, is being released as part of a prisoner swap.

The former operator of the Russian crypto exchange BTC-e will head to Russia after the Kremlin reportedly agreed to an exchange involving US national Marc Fogel.

According to the BBC, the White House confirmed the prisoner exchange,with Trump having spoken to Fogel.The schoolteacher left Russia on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Who is Vinnik?

Alexander Vinnik, 44, is a crypto kingpin that operated the Bitcoin exchange BTC-e. Authorities arrested Vinnik in 2017 in Greece, with the Department of Justice filing charges of money laundering involving nearly $4 billion.

According to prosecutors, Vinnik allowed cyber criminals to use BTC-e to launder and store proceeds of crimes, including crypto hacks, ransomware attacks and identity theft.

The Russian national’s reign at the helm of the exchange saw him promote the platform to perpetrators of these crimes. US authorities blamed him for the loss of $121 million.

Notably, New Zealand police also seized $90 million from the BTC-e operator.

Vinnik’s guilty plea in May 2024 meant he faced up to 20 years in prison.

The prisoner swap that sees him leave custody comes after his lawyers failed in a previous attempt to have included in other US-Russia prisoner exchanges. One such push involved the deal that saw Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter formerly imprisoned in Russia, released.


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