BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq

blockchain.news:

On November 20, 2023, a critical meeting was held between the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and representatives from BlackRock, Inc., and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. The meeting's primary focus was the discussion of the iShares Bitcoin Trust and its potential listing on Nasdaq as a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

The SEC's Division of Trading and Markets hosted the meeting, attended by key personnel including David Shillman, Tom McGowan, Randall Roy, Ray Lombardo, Molly Kim, Edward Cho, Sarah Schandler, and Stacia Sowerby. Representing BlackRock were Rachel Aguirre, Adithya Attawar, Shannon Ghia, Robert Mitchnick, Charles Park, Marisa Rolland, and Ben Tecmire. Additionally, Eun Ah Choi, Jonathan Cayne, Giang Bui, and Ali Doyle represented The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

BlackRock's presentation to the SEC included a detailed exposition of two potential models for the iShares Bitcoin Trust: the «In-Kind Redemption Model» and the «In-Cash Redemption Model.» These models outlined the mechanics of how the ETF could operate, focusing on the redemption process involving market makers, bitcoin custodians, and various exchanges.

The In-Kind Redemption Model entails a process where the ETF issuer instructs the Bitcoin Custodian to release bitcoin to a market maker, who may then unwind the bitcoin position. This model involves various parties, including a U.S. Registered Broker/Dealer, spot crypto exchanges, and a listing exchange.

The In-Cash Redemption Model, on the other hand, involves the ETF issuer trading with the market maker to sell bitcoin for USD. This model includes additional steps involving the Bitcoin Custodian moving cash out of cold storage and the market maker delivering shares