Bitcoin Spot ETF Update: 11 Expected ETFs to Launch on January 11 at 6 AM TWT

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The long-awaited approval of bitcoin spot ETFs in the United States is finally on the horizon, with market anticipation peaking as regulators appear poised to greenlight multiple applications. According to the latest updates, a decision from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected by late Wednesday, January 10, U.S. time—translating to early Thursday morning, January 11, at approximately 5–6 AM Taiwan time (TWT). If confirmed, trading for up to 11 bitcoin spot ETFs could begin that same day.

This moment marks a pivotal shift in the cryptocurrency landscape, potentially opening the floodgates for institutional and retail investors to gain regulated exposure to bitcoin through traditional financial markets.

Major Asset Managers Slash Fees in Final Push

In a dramatic move to boost competitiveness ahead of the expected approval, several major asset managers have recently revised their fee structures—some slashing costs to zero during initial launch phases. As of the latest filings:

…have all announced reduced management fees, joining Grayscale, which was already offering a no-fee promotion for its bitcoin trust conversion.

Now, five issuers are entering the market with zero management fees at launch—an unprecedented strategy likely aimed at capturing early market share in what could become a highly competitive ETF ecosystem.

👉 Discover how low-fee ETFs are reshaping digital asset investing

This aggressive pricing signals that the race isn't just about being first to market, but about attracting assets under management (AUM) quickly and efficiently. With institutional investors watching closely, fee wars may define the early stages of bitcoin ETF adoption.

Key Players Expected in the First Wave

Based on analysis from Bloomberg Intelligence, particularly insights from senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, up to 11 bitcoin spot ETFs could receive approval and begin trading on January 11. The anticipated lineup includes:

Each brings a unique structure and investor proposition, but all share a common goal: providing regulated, exchange-traded access to physical bitcoin holdings.

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck has publicly stated that his firm expects its spot bitcoin ETF to begin trading on Thursday, aligning with Valkyrie’s similar expectations. These statements add further credibility to the timeline, suggesting coordination or advanced notice from regulatory channels.

Balchunas emphasized the extraordinary speed of recent developments: “We’ve seen applications, comments, resubmissions—all within 24 hours. This is unlike anything we’ve seen before.” His projection points to an SEC announcement by 4–5 PM EST on January 10, which corresponds to 6–7 AM TWT on January 11.

"But no worries, we are looking for approval tomorrow bt 4-5pm and launches on Thursday."
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas), January 9, 2024

Why This Approval Matters

The introduction of bitcoin spot ETFs represents more than just a new investment product—it's a structural evolution in how digital assets integrate into mainstream finance.

Unlike futures-based ETFs, which track bitcoin derivatives and carry roll-over risks and price discrepancies, spot ETFs hold actual bitcoin on their balance sheets. This direct ownership model enhances transparency and aligns more closely with the underlying asset’s performance.

For investors, this means:

Moreover, spot ETFs could significantly increase liquidity and reduce volatility over time by bringing in large pools of institutional capital previously hesitant to engage directly with crypto exchanges.

👉 See how institutional adoption is accelerating in digital asset markets

Core Keywords Driving Market Interest

As search interest surges around this milestone event, several key terms dominate investor queries:

These keywords reflect both informational and transactional search intent—from users seeking clarity on timing and participants, to those comparing fee structures and issuer reputations.

Content optimized around these phrases—not through repetition, but through contextual relevance—will perform best in organic search results while genuinely serving reader needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will bitcoin spot ETFs start trading?
A: Based on current projections, trading is expected to begin on Thursday, January 11, 2025, shortly after SEC approval, likely announced on January 10 U.S. time (evening) or January 11 early morning Taiwan time.

Q: Which companies are launching bitcoin spot ETFs?
A: Up to 11 firms are expected to launch, including BlackRock, Fidelity, VanEck, Ark Invest/21Shares, Grayscale, Invesco, Bitwise, Valkyrie, and others.

Q: Are there any bitcoin spot ETFs with zero fees?
A: Yes—five issuers, including Bitwise and Valkyrie, have announced zero management fees at launch to attract early investment flows.

Q: What’s the difference between spot and futures-based bitcoin ETFs?
A: Spot ETFs hold actual bitcoin, while futures-based ETFs track derivative contracts. Spot ETFs offer more direct exposure and fewer pricing distortions.

Q: How does SEC approval impact bitcoin’s price?
A: Historically, regulatory clarity has led to bullish momentum. Approval may trigger inflows from institutional investors, potentially driving demand and price appreciation over time.

Q: Can I invest in these ETFs through my regular brokerage?
A: Yes—once approved and listed, these ETFs will be tradable through most major brokerage platforms like traditional stocks.

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Final Outlook: A New Era for Digital Assets

The potential approval of multiple bitcoin spot ETFs signals a maturation of the cryptocurrency market. It reflects growing regulatory confidence and increasing demand from traditional finance players seeking exposure to digital assets without operational complexities.

While risks remain—especially regarding market volatility and long-term fee sustainability—the structural benefits of spot ETFs cannot be overstated. They lower barriers to entry, enhance transparency, and position bitcoin as a legitimate asset class within diversified portfolios.

As the countdown concludes and markets await official confirmation, one thing is clear: January 11 could mark the beginning of a transformative chapter for crypto adoption worldwide.

Note: Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk. Prices can fluctuate dramatically, and you may lose your entire principal. Please carefully assess your risk tolerance before investing.