On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved 11 US Bitcoin ETFs.

While the ETFs started trading smoothly on January 11, there was drama before the event.

SEC Twitter Account Hacked

On January 9, 2024, the SEC’s Twitter/X account was hacked. The hacker Tweeted:

Today the SEC grants approval for Bitcoin ETFs for listing on all registered national securities exchanges. The approved Bitcoin ETFs will be subject to ongoing surveillance and compliance measures to ensure continued investor protection.

Gensler Follows Up

Hours later, Gary Gensler tweeted that the SEC’s account was hacked:

The @SECGov twitter account was compromised, and an unauthorized tweet was posted. The SEC has not approved the listing and trading of spot bitcoin exchange-traded products.

Real Approval

While the hacks casted doubt on whether the approval would really happen, the SEC actually did approve US Bitcoin ETFs on January 10, 2024:

Today, the Commission approved the listing and trading of a number of spot bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) shares.

The SEC provded many details about the approval, including this snippet:

First, sponsors of bitcoin ETPs will be required to provide full, fair, and truthful disclosure about the products. Investors in any bitcoin ETP that is listed and traded will benefit from the disclosure included in public registration statements and required periodic filings. While these disclosures are required, it is important to note that today’s action does not endorse the disclosed ETP arrangements, such as custody arrangements.

ETF Approvals

ETF/Fund	Month	Day	Description
Ark / 21Shares	January	10	Approved
Bitwise	January	10	Approved
Blackrock / iShares	January	10	Approved
VanEck	January	10	Approved
Wisdomtree	January	10	Approved
Invesco Galaxy	January	10	Approved
Fidelity	January	10	Approved
Valkyrie	January	10	Approved
Pando Asset	January	10	Approved
Franklin Templeton	January	10	Approved