VaderAI (VADER) is a decentralized platform that allows users to join various DAOs managed by AI agents or humans. 

 are currently among the hottest assets in the crypto market, with the 

 niche featuring particularly impressive growth rates. Crypto assets that power AI agents — smart entities that carry out complex tasks online, and on web3 platforms — are a subsector widely expected to expand its footprint in the industry over the coming years. 

 (VIRTUAL) has been particularly notable for its recent strong performance. It enables users to launch autonomous AI agents for various use cases, and is home to numerous tokens and solutions focused on specific applications of AI agent technology.

Among the leading assets on the Virtuals Protocol is VaderAI (VADER), whose users invest via AI agent– and human-managed 

 (VADER) is a decentralized platform that allows users to join various DAOs managed by AI agents or humans. 

These DAOs are currently focused on the investment and trading spheres, although managed DAOs in other fields are also envisioned. By investing in a DAO on the platform, users can expect returns generated via trading activities of the DAO's AI agent or human investment manager. Many VaderAI DAOs are based on tracking an index of multiple cryptocurrencies.

The VaderAI platform carefully curates each AI agent– or human-managed DAO to minimize risk for users.

VaderAI is one of the AI agent–focused solutions leveraging the 

 (VIRTUAL), a platform designed to let users easily create and deploy autonomous AI agents.

The platform has its own AI agent, VaderAI, that creates and manages several DAO-based investment indices. These are comprised of multi-token funds with different 

. Users who invest in the funds managed by the VaderAI investment agent can expect return levels commensurate with the token composition of each index. As of mid-January 2025, Vader AI offers two investment opportunities — VaderAI Small Cap and VaderAI Micro Cap. Another agent-managed index, VaderAI Mid Cap, is expected to be released soon.

Vader Fun, a component of the wider platform, lets users participate in various DAOs. It acts as the key orchestrator of the DAOs within the Vader ecosystem. There are two types of DAOs users can join on Vader Fun — passive DAOs and active DAOs. Both varieties are curated, but differ in terms of the investment strategies they pursue.

Passive DAOs focus on minimizing risk to DAO participants, while delivering consistent returns by tracking tokens that meet certain criteria in terms of their risk profiles. These DAOs meet specific criteria, such as limitation on the maximum exposure to a single token, minimum liquidity thresholds and a reference to an established benchmark. Such stipulations ensure that the tokens are highly liquid and easily tradable, making passive DAOs a safer, more stable option for participants.

In contrast, active DAOs provide more freedom to the DAO’s investment manager, whether an AI agent or a human, in terms of the strategies they might pursue.

 AI agent based on X (formerly Twitter) — VaderAI KOL. This agent regularly posts about the crypto market, provides investment insights and delivers news on the performance of the DAOs within the VaderAI ecosystem.

VaderAI KOL established an account on X in November 2024, and in just three months has gained nearly 30,000 followers. One intriguing feature of the VaderAI KOL agent is the functionality to programmatically tweet about coins airdropped into its wallet. This can be useful for token creators who want to feature their assets as sponsored posts. 

 (SOL)–based network addresses to receive token airdrops for sponsored tweets.

VaderAI’s native crypto, VADER, is a token issued on both the 

 chain and Solana. VADER is primarily used for 

, through which users can earn additional rewards and gain access to exclusive offers and opportunities.

VADER was issued in November 2024, with no supply lockup periods or other limitations on circulation. The token’s current total and circulating supply is 996,739,513, and its maximum supply is specified at 1 billion. While most of the supply is publicly available, 36% is reserved by the project's team for marketing and platform development purposes.

VaderAI is another innovative AI agent–focused platform launched via the increasingly popular Virtuals Protocol. Investment DAOs managed by curated AI agents are an intriguing concept that may find more adoption in the future, depending upon how successful these agents are at managing their DAO members' funds. 

If the investor community sees healthy returns from VaderAI's DAOs, the platform will establish itself as a significant AI-driven investment manager within web3. Additionally, as VaderAI develops, agent-driven DAOs may find use cases well beyond the crypto finance sphere, specializing in activities like gaming, social media community-building and more.

Intermediate

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VaderAI by Virtuals (VADER): Orchestrating DAOs and AI Leadership

pSTAKE Finance is a BTC yield and liquid staking protocol offering two products — fixed-yield Earn for retail users and YBTC LSTs for institutions. Learn more.

 in crypto, but one major obstacle for many investors is the lack of liquidity for staked assets. Staked tokens are locked up, preventing users from accessing or using their holdings in other activities. pSTAKE Finance is changing this dynamic by enabling an innovative liquid staking solution for BTC. This article dives into pSTAKE Finance, how it enables Bitcoin liquid staking on Babylon and its potential as an investment opportunity.

 is a Bitcoin yield and liquid staking protocol that offers two products — fixed-yield Earn for retail users and YBTC for institutions. These two products address distinct user needs, enhancing accessibility for both segments.

pSTAKE Finance is designed to solve one of the most pressing challenges in the cryptocurrency staking ecosystem: making Bitcoin yield-generating with Bitcoin Staking. Traditionally, 

 requires users to lock their assets, thus preventing them from being used for other financial activities. pSTAKE addresses this limitation by providing tailored solutions for both retail and institutional users, enabling them to earn reliable Bitcoin yields while retaining flexibility.

 protocol designed to provide reliable Bitcoin yields through staking on 

. It addresses two core user groups — retail users and institutions — with tailored solutions that make Bitcoin staking secure, accessible and rewarding.

For Retail Users: Fixed-Yield Earn Product

Retail users can access a fixed-yield product similar to 

). By depositing BTC into the pSTAKE platform, users earn staking rewards through Babylon's secure infrastructure. This solution is designed to make Bitcoin staking straightforward and accessible, even for users new to 

 (DeFi). Rewards are boosted through PSTAKE incentives, enhancing the appeal of this option for retail participants seeking passive income.

For institutional users, pSTAKE provides a noncustodial Bitcoin 

 token is backed 1:1 by BTC and supports LayerZero 

, making it accessible across Ethereum, BNB Chain and 

. YBTC offers additional yield opportunities through advanced DeFi strategies, such as 

 and liquidity farming, ensuring flexibility and profitability for institutions managing large-scale Bitcoin holdings.

pSTAKE enables users to stake native BTC directly on the Bitcoin network, minimizing risks and eliminating the need for 

 or third-party custody. This design ensures security and simplicity in the staking process.

Institutions staking BTC receive YBTC, a liquid ERC-20 token that represents their staked assets. YBTC is fully backed by Bitcoin, maintaining liquidity and allowing holders to trade or deploy it in DeFi protocols for additional returns. pSTAKE empowers Institutions to generate yield on their Bitcoin while they maintain full custody over their assets, a key differentiator for Institutional Bitcoin Staking.

’s interoperability standard, YBTC can operate seamlessly across multiple chains. This functionality unifies BTCFi use cases and provides greater flexibility for DeFi integration.

pSTAKE relies on Babylon’s robust security-sharing protocol that leverages Bitcoin’s battle-tested 

 (PoW) network. By converting BTC into slashable assets, Babylon deters malicious behavior, ensuring the safety of staked assets.

The pSTAKE Finance team has achieved remarkable milestones, including several innovative solutions, and outlined the following ambitious plans for the future.

The year 2024 was a transformative one for pSTAKE, marked by significant achievements in both product innovation and ecosystem growth. The protocol launched its Bitcoin liquid staking solution on Babylon, becoming the first such platform to accept native BTC deposits. This was accompanied by the introduction of a noncustodial Bitcoin staking product tailored for institutions, reinforcing pSTAKE’s commitment to security and flexibility.

Key integrations with Binance, Bybit, OKX and Bitget have enabled seamless Bitcoin staking through pSTAKE’s 

 wallets, while support for both UniSat Wallet and Leather Bitcoin wallet has further expanded accessibility. These efforts have fueled remarkable development, with pSTAKE achieving 9X growth in 

The PSTAKE token also reached new heights, debuting on 

 and Blast. The “Stake PSTAKE, Earn BTC” feature launched on Base L2, with over 6.4 million tokens staked, showcasing strong user engagement. Additionally, PSTAKE became the first BTCFi token to launch on Binance Alpha, setting a benchmark for the sector.

Looking ahead, pSTAKE is poised to solidify its leadership in the BTCFi ecosystem with a product-led growth strategy. The focus will be on offering two distinct solutions: a simple fixed-yield product for retail users, and a tailored Bitcoin LST for institutions and 

. This approach ensures that pSTAKE can address diverse user needs while still driving sustainable growth. Key objectives for 2025 include the following.

With its clear vision and ambitious road map, pSTAKE is well-positioned to lead the BTCFi revolution, empowering users to unlock the full potential of their Bitcoin assets.

The PSTAKE token drives governance and incentives within the pSTAKE protocol. By holding and staking PSTAKE, users play an active role in guiding the protocol's future, thereby contributing to its security and long-term success. The token also rewards core contributors for their efforts while discouraging harmful actions that could undermine the system.

Launched with a total supply of 500 million tokens, PSTAKE's distribution is carefully designed to prioritize decentralized governance and provide fair incentives for key contributors who drive the protocol forward.

 $0.12611 by 2025, $0.079072 by 2026 and $0.156502 by 2030, indicating a promising rise over the long term. DigitalCoinPrice is slightly more optimistic, 

 of $0.0981 by 2025, $0.12 by 2026 and $0.25 by 2030. 

However, Gate.io is weighing in with more conservative estimates, forecasting an average price of $0.0479 for 2025, $0.05197 for 2026 and $0.10 by 2030. These outlooks reflect the different factors considered by each platform, but all of them signal that PSTAKE could see steady growth in the years ahead.

While these projections offer a range of perspectives, several fundamental drivers could influence PSTAKE's future value:

Looking to trade pSTAKE Finance tokens? Bybit now offers the PSTAKE/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, simply create an account on Bybit, fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

PSTAKE Finance presents a unique solution by enabling liquid staking across multiple blockchains. Backed by Binance Labs and supported by major investors like Sequoia Capital, DeFiance Capital and Galaxy Digital, the protocol aims to address the liquidity issues associated with staking by issuing YBTC, which can be traded or used in DeFi applications. This innovation allows every day retail users and institutions to generate yield on their Bitcoin, positioning pSTAKE as a key player in BTCFi. Its road map includes further integrations , TVL growth, and increased accessibility to the PSTAKE Token and its staking utility, adding to its growing appeal.

Price forecasts for PSTAKE show potential long-term growth, with estimates ranging from $0.0479 in 2025 to $0.25 by 2030. The protocol’s solid partnerships and decentralized governance model further strengthen its prospects. Its strategic approach to tokenomics and its expansion into key blockchain ecosystems firmly position PSTAKE to become an essential tool for crypto investors looking to maximize their returns while maintaining flexibility. 

However, as with any investment, there are inherent risks, and past performance isn’t indicative of future results. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and 

pSTAKE Finance champions the solution of BTCFi yields with Bitcoin Staking on Babylon across various blockchains. Its future-focused road map and strong partnerships make it an intriguing option for investors seeking passive income in the crypto space. However, as with any investment, investors should tread with caution.

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pSTAKE Finance (PSTAKE): Higher Yields With BTC Liquid Staking

Dive into Story, a Layer 1 blockchain built to tokenize global intellectual property (IP), a multitrillion-dollar industry.

Despite the fact that global intangible assets' value 

 in 2023, existing blockchains aren’t suitable for efficiently handling intellectual property (IP) management. Story aims to change this with the world's first 

 (L1) chain that’s been specifically built for IP. In this article, you’ll learn what Story is, who founded and invested in the project, how it works and what its ecosystem looks like. Let's get started!

 is a Layer 1 blockchain network built purposely for intellectual property (IP). Tapping into a multitrillion-dollar industry, it tokenizes IP, such as 

, AI models, songs and image rights, and embeds attributions, royalty agreements and usage terms directly into its chain. As a decentralized and transparent solution for intellectual property management, Story offers IP holders enhanced IP protection, seamless collaboration and access to new revenue opportunities. The project's intentional blockchain comes in especially handy in today's increasingly AI-powered economy.

The Story protocol aims to provide an effective solution to the lack of rightful compensation for IP owners who share their work online. Even if their works become valuable and popular, original creators are not fairly rewarded or even credited for their ideas. Artificial intelligence (AI) models are trained on (and produce) copyrighted data, yet the current IP system can't keep up with the massive popularity of AI-generated media. To avoid discouraging creators from sharing their ideas with the world, Story has implemented built-in protections in its L1 chain to automatically credit IP owners, and to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.

Story was founded in 2022 by Jason Levy, Jason Zhao and Seung Yoon Lee to address the growing challenges between IP, creativity and AI.

To date, Story has raised $134.3 million in funds across three rounds. Its most notable investors include Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Samsung Next, Mirana, Polychain Capital and Endeavor. Among these backers, a16z has played the most significant role, with the venture capital fund leading all three of the IP blockchain's funding rounds.

 software development kit (SDK) and is fully compatible with the 

. Its purpose-built blockchain leverages the unique 

 to enable anyone to on-ramp their IP to Story. Once registered on-chain, IP Assets (IPAs) are represented in the form of blockchain-based ERC-721 NFTs. If intellectual property resides in the off-chain world, owners can first mint their NFTs and then register them afterward. Each IPA consists of an on-chain NFT and an associated IP account in 

Despite being on-chain, Story enforces IPA terms and minted License Tokens via an off-chain legal contract called the 

 (PIL). Together with the Proof-of-Creativity protocol, PIL makes all registered IP programmable, enabling automated licensing and rights management via Story. It’s a real, off-chain legal contract that defines specific license terms for the legal licensing of IP Assets.

Story uses a wide range of modules for managing and enforcing IP rights, including the following.

You can find out more about how Story works by visiting the project's 

 of the Agent Transaction Control Protocol for Intellectual Property (Agent TCP/IP). It’s an experimental framework that enables agents to trade IP with each other. Examples include training data, investment strategies, creative style and more, which agents can exchange and monetize autonomously. Born as the result of a weeklong sprint at Story's skunkworks AI Agent Lab, Agent TCP/IP was developed in collaboration with organizations and individuals, such as Virtuals, Zerebro's ZerePy and ai16z's Eliza.

Story's ever-growing ecosystem includes numerous partners and participants. With use cases ranging from art and AI models to storytelling and fashion, some of the most notable players in Story's network are the AI storytelling platform Sekai, the Mahojin Remix AI Layer , the Color IP marketplace and the intellectual property-focused Telegram Koni Story mini app. You can learn more about Story's ecosystem 

Story takes a unique approach to intellectual property management, addressing key challenges in attribution, licensing and fair compensation in an AI-driven economy. With its purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain, the platform enables creators to tokenize and protect their IP while unlocking new revenue opportunities.

Backed by nearly $135 million in funding and supported by major investors like a16z crypto and Samsung Next, Story is well-positioned to take a leading role in the evolution of digital rights management. As it moves toward its mainnet launch in Q1 2025, Story’s innovative features and ever-growing ecosystem are set to redefine the way we create, license and monetize intellectual property.

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Story: The World's First IP Blockchain

Experienced traders who become Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Traders share their trading expertise, allowing Followers to automatically copy their positions.

Want to monetize your trading expertise and build a following in the forex and commodities markets? Bybit's Copy Trading Gold&FX platform enables skilled traders to earn profit-sharing rewards by letting others automatically copy their trading strategies.

But what exactly is a Master Trader, and how can you get started? This guide breaks down what Gold&FX Master Trading is, its benefits, key requirements, how to apply — and whether it's the right path for your trading career.

–based copy trading system that enables investors to automatically replicate the trading strategies of experienced traders across forex, commodities and market indices.

With MT5's professional infrastructure, Master Traders can execute positions that are automatically copied by their Followers while earning up to 15% profit share from successful trades. This creates a mutually beneficial environment in which expertise is rewarded while newer traders access established strategies.

Who Is a Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader?

A Gold&FX Master Trader is an experienced trader who shares their trading expertise on Bybit's MT5 platform, allowing Followers to automatically copy their positions in forex, indices and commodities markets. Master Traders can earn up to 15% profit share from their Followers' successful trades, with shares distributed weekly.

Benefits of Being a Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader

Master Traders on Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX can earn the following benefits.

Master Traders are able to monetize their expertise by earning up to 15% profit share from their Followers' trades. Since success and Follower growth directly increase earning potential, this creates opportunities for substantial passive income.

The platform implements a High water mark (HWM) principle for profit distribution, releasing rewards only when trading results surpass previous performance peaks. Profit shares are calculated weekly and distributed every Sunday at midnight (MT5 server time, which is UTC+3 during DST, UTC+2 during Standard Time).

Master Traders have access to a comprehensive suite of traditional financial markets, including forex pairs, commodities and indices. This diverse range of trading instruments enables them to diversify strategies and broaden trading opportunities across multiple asset classes.

Master Traders can start with one Follower, and scale up to 300 concurrent Followers as they demonstrate consistent performance. This progression allows Master Traders to build their reputations, increasing profit-sharing income as they prove their expertise.

The MetaTrader 5 platform delivers institutional-grade infrastructure with 

, comprehensive market analysis features and high-speed execution capabilities. This trading environment enables Master Traders to execute strategies and analyze market opportunities with professional precision.

Master Traders can adjust their profit-sharing ratio at any time to optimize strategies based on market conditions and Follower engagement. The platform handles all technical aspects of 

, allowing Master Traders to fully focus on executing trading strategies.

What to Know Before Applying to Be a Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader

Following are the key requirements and considerations for becoming a Master Trader.

How to Apply to Become a Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader

The application process consists of two main phases: submitting your application, and setting up your MT5 account. Carefully follow the steps below to become a Master Trader.

 and log in to your Bybit account. If you don’t have a Bybit Subaccount, click on the profile icon, select 

and create a new Subaccount, following the on-screen instructions.

: After you’ve created a Subaccount, hover your cursor over the 

. This will take you to the Master Trader application page.

: Read the Master Trader Agreement carefully, and check the box stating 

I have understood and agreed to the above agreement

: Fill in the following required information:

: Review all information, and check (✓) the box to agree to MT5 Terms and Conditions. Then, click on 

: In the confirmation window, review the information and click on 

: Once your application is successful, you’ll receive an approval email. Open it, and click on the 

 link in the email to create a new password.

 to set your MT5 Account password. If you haven’t already done so, set up Google Authentication on your Gold&FX Master Trader Subaccount by following this 

: Select the type of password you’d like to reset. The pop-up window has two options:

 and click on the download icon to install MT5 on your device. 

: Set up Google Authentication for your Gold&FX Master Trader Subaccount (if you haven’t already done so). Then, follow the security setup guide provided by Bybit.

: Once you’ve successfully downloaded MT5, launch the application, and log in with your credentials. Then, verify access to trading features.

Congratulations! You are now a Gold&FX Master Trader. Switch to your Gold&FX Master Trader Subaccount and MT5 Account to start Copy Trading.

Should You Apply to Be a Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader?

Applying to become a Gold&FX Master Trader is worth considering if you:

Before applying, carefully evaluate your trading experience and commitment level. While no prior performance record is required, your success as a Master Trader will depend upon maintaining consistent returns and building trust with your Followers.

Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX transforms trading expertise into a scalable business opportunity through its Master Trader program. With detailed platform resources, profit-sharing potential and room for growth, Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX provides a clear path to building a meaningful presence in traditional financial markets.

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Bybit Copy Trading Gold&FX Master Trader: Your Path to Elite Earnings

Bitcoin

Major financial entities such as BlackRock, Grayscale® and Valkyrie applied for and won approval for Bitcoin spot ETFs. Learn more in this article.

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Fifteen prominent asset management firms, including 

 and Valkyrie Investments have been eagerly awaiting the U.S. 

's verdict on their Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (

) applications. A decision on several applications was expected by Jan 10, 2024, and the SEC did not disappoint.

On Jan 10, 2024, the SEC approved 11 of the Bitcoin spot ETF applications, marking a significant milestone in cryptocurrency markets. Here's a comprehensive look at the top Bitcoin spot ETF applications, capturing all the essential details for those following this development.

 to launch a type of investment fund that holds Bitcoin as its underlying asset and trades on a stock exchange.

 Such an application must comply with the rules and regulations laid out by relevant authorities, such as the SEC, and demonstrate that the proposed product meets the standards for investor protection, market integrity and liquidity. 

A Bitcoin spot ETF application differs from a Bitcoin futures ETF application, which is based on contracts that bet on the future price of Bitcoin, rather than holding the actual cryptocurrency.

How Does a Bitcoin Spot ETF Application Work?

A Bitcoin spot ETF application is essentially a detailed proposal outlining the structure, methodology and provider for the ETF. This comprehensive plan covers various parameters such as how the fund will acquire, securely store and manage Bitcoin holdings, along with strategies for risk management. 

In terms of structure, the application defines the operational framework for the ETF, including custody arrangements for Bitcoin storage and the manner in which profits or losses will be distributed among shareholders.

Methodology refers to the approach the fund will take in tracking the price movements of Bitcoin, which can differ across platforms and markets. The chosen methodology significantly impacts how the ETF performs and is perceived in the market.

The provider consists of both the entity responsible for creating, managing and marketing the ETF and the custodian tasked with securely holding the Bitcoin on behalf of the fund.

Crucially, any Bitcoin spot ETF application must address potential risks and challenges associated with the fund, such as volatility in the crypto market, security concerns like hacking or theft, regulatory issues, 

By thoroughly covering these elements, a Bitcoin spot ETF application aims to provide a clear and cohesive plan that instills confidence in regulators, investors and stakeholders regarding the fund's viability and security.

Current Bitcoin Spot ETF Application Landscape

A whirlwind of activity and uncertainty has surrounded the current landscape of Bitcoin spot ETF applications. Over the years, numerous applications have been submitted, modified, delayed, rejected and/or withdrawn, creating a dynamic environment. 

The SEC is the primary authority overseeing these applications in one of the largest and most influential financial markets, the U.S., and is tasked with either granting or denying these applications. It has approached Bitcoin spot ETF applications with some degree of caution and skepticism, raising concerns regarding market manipulation, fraud, custody, valuation, liquidity and safeguarding investor interests. 

Despite multiple submissions, the SEC has yet to green-light any Bitcoin spot ETF applications before this year. Instead, it’s kept delaying its decisions, pushing them to later dates. Nevertheless, there have been indications of a shift within the SEC toward a more receptive stance as it has sought public feedback, conducted meetings and even appointed officials more knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies. A federal court ruling effectively requiring the SEC to drop its 

 Grayscale’s spot Bitcoin ETF application in 2023 also shifted the tone.

On Jan 10, 2024, the SEC finally approved 11 Bitcoin spot ETF applications, marking a significant turning point. While the SEC had previously sought public feedback, conducted meetings and appointed officials with cryptocurrency expertise, this approval is a watershed moment for opening up Bitcoin to retail markets. The development is not only significant for the Bitcoin market, but holds broader implications for the cryptocurrency ecosystem as a whole.

Top High-Profile Bitcoin Spot ETF Applications

Going into January 2024, the SEC was poised to review fifteen current Bitcoin spot ETF applications. Some of the applications stand out from the rest because of reputation, innovation and/or potential. Many of the applicants have now successfully secured approval and launched trading, marking a transformative moment for the crypto market. Here are some of the top high-profile Bitcoin spot ETF applications that are currently pending or in the pipeline.

BlackRock, a global leader in investment solutions, manages a staggering 

 in assets, offering diverse investment products such as mutual funds, ETFs, institutional accounts and alternative investments. BlackRock submitted its initial 

 for a Bitcoin spot ETF in June 2023, seeking to list the iShares Bitcoin Trust on the Nasdaq exchange.

BlackRock’s proposal outlined Coinbase as the crypto custodian and spot market data provider, with BNY Mellon acting as the cash custodian. Additionally, BlackRock designated JPMorgan and Jane Street as authorized participants for the ETF.

 to address the SEC's concerns regarding potential market manipulation, custody issues, pricing mechanisms and redemption processes. Key alterations include transforming the ETF to being solely cash-based redemption and renaming the fund's ticker to IBIT.

On Jan 10, 2024, the SEC gave the green light to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF, 

, which is now available for trading on the NYSE Arca exchange. To attract early investors, BlackRock is temporarily cutting a part of the 

 for the first year or until the ETF reaches $5 billion in assets, with a reduced fee of 0.12%. After this initial period or asset milestone, the fee will increase to 0.25%, creating an incentive for early participation and potential growth.

Grayscale, renowned for managing the largest Bitcoin investment vehicle, 

, began its quest for a Bitcoin spot ETF in 

. It withdrew this initial attempt, citing regulatory hurdles. The firm’s October 2021 

 to convert the Bitcoin trust into an ETF met a brick wall. A turning point came in August 2023, when a court 

 in favor of Grayscale and ordered a fresh SEC reevaluation. To boost its chances, Grayscale 

 its application, switching to a cash-only ETF and rebranding to Grayscale Bitcoin ETF Trust. The SEC approved this spot Bitcoin ETF on Jan 10, 2024.

 it commenced trading on NYSE Arca the next day, January 11. Trading at $40.50 per share at the close (as of Jan 11, 2024), the ETF still carries a 1.50% 

, which is significantly higher than its peers. However, Grayscale asserts that this fee will decrease as the ETF expands and becomes more efficient over time.

 of GBTC to its net asset value shrunk to 0% for the first time since February 2021. Analysts expect it to trade closer to NAV going forward.

 for a Bitcoin spot ETF in January 2021. After facing rejection in December 2021, it 

 in June 2023, aligning with Coinbase as a surveillance-sharing partner, and earning SEC acceptance for review. Recent 

 at the end of December 2023 introduced Jane Street and Cantor Fitzgerald as authorized participants.

Valkyrie Investment’s application made the cut and it launched the Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (

), which began trading on Nasdaq on Jan 11, 2024. BRRR implemented a 0% 

 for its initial three months, after which it will increase to 0.49%. Market price for BRRR as of Jan 11 was $13.29 per share.

ARK Invest, led by CEO Cathie Wood and known for its focus on innovation, teamed up with 21Shares AG to propose the 

 in June 2021, aiming for trading on Cboe's BZX Exchange. Facing two SEC rejections in 

. The SEC delayed decisions on ARK Invest applications in August and September 2023, with a decision expected in early January 2024. ARK Invest has amended its application twice, adding risk warnings and clarifying the roles of authorized participants in its latest 

Among the newly approved ETFs, the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, identified by the ticker symbol 

, commenced trading on Jan 11, 2024, on the Cboe BZX exchange — also home to the first Bitcoin futures ETF, 

. Closing at $46.76 on Jan 11, ARKB stands out with a 

 of 0.21%, temporarily waived for the first six months or until the fund hits $1 billion in assets, whichever takes place first. This low sponsor fee positions ARKB as one of the most competitively priced Bitcoin spot ETFs.

VanEck has been a persistent player in the Bitcoin ETF space, initiating its 

 the next year. Following reapplications and subsequent rejections in 2020 and 2023, VanEck didn't lose steam, 

 again in July 2023. VanEck’s choice of Gemini as the custodian for Bitcoin stands out, alongside its chosen ticker symbol (HODL) for the potential ETF. The SEC's decision, postponed until 

, hangs over this latest attempt by VanEck to secure approval for a Bitcoin ETF.

Approved alongside 10 other ETFs on Jan 10, 2024, VanEck's 

 began trading with one of the largest initial seed capitals of 

, closing at $52.92 per share on Jan 11, 2024. Trading on the Cboe BZX exchange, the ETF offers exposure to Bitcoin prices by holding the cryptocurrency in a trust, tracking the 

An Overview of Top High-Profile Bitcoin Spot ETF Applications

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