Franklin Templeton, a U.S.-based asset manager, has filed an application for an ETF to allow direct investment in the second-largest cryptocurrency, ether.
The filing made by Franklin Templeton and SEC on February 12th explained the plan of the Franklin Ethereum ETF, which would trade in the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The ETF would hold ether tokens in cold storage wallets. Franklin Templeton also indicated it may stake a portion of the fund’s assets to generate additional income from staking rewards.
Franklin Templeton joins many other big asset managers seeking approval for spot ether ETFs, including BlackRock, VanEck, Fidelity, Galaxy Digital, and Grayscale. The SEC faces decisions on some of these applications in May and June.
Also Read: SEC Delays Invesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF Decision, Raising Approval Questions
Approval would allow mainstream investors easy access to ether investments through brokerage accounts without holding the cryptocurrency directly. However, the SEC has repeatedly delayed decisions on spot crypto ETFs amid concerns around volatility, liquidity, and potential for manipulation.
