Cathie Wood, the leader of Ark Invest, and 21Shares have recently made a last-minute update to the form S-1 registration statement for the Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF ($ARKB), right before the final deadline on December 29, 2023.

Final Amendment From Ark 21Shares?

On December 28, 2023, Ark Invest and 21Shares submitted the fifth amendment to the form S-1, amidst widespread anticipation of the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the financial markets. The recent amendment is reported to focus on alterations to the terms concerning authorized participants. However, Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, suggests that another amendment may still occur prior to the launch of the Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF.

Eric Balchunas mentioned that the final effective update before the launch might reveal the names of the authorized participants. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether the partnership between the US SEC and Ark 21Shares has signed an agreement.

In reference to Cathie Wood's company, the amendment made by Ark 21Shares suggests a shift in strategy, as they closed out a position in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). This could be seen as an indication of their preparations for the approval of the Bitcoin ETF, expected in early January 2024.

Almost There

According to comments from analysts and a recent statement by Wood, it seems that the approval of the spot ETF is likely to happen soon. It is only a matter of time before the United States sees its first ever operational ETF of this kind. Previously, CoinGape reported that Wood expressed positive and encouraging sentiments about the ongoing dialogues with the US SEC staff regarding the ETFs.

Additionally, once the potential ETF is approved, the crypto community will eagerly anticipate the long-awaited Bitcoin Halving event, set to take place in the second quarter of 2024.