---
title: "Will Politics Determine The Future Of Spot Bitcoin ETFs? Ex-SEC Official Weighs In"
url: https://diffcoin.com/will-politics-determine-the-future-of-spot-bitcoin-etfs-ex-sec-official-weighs-in/
description: "The recent enthusiasm surrounding the possibility of a Bitcoin Spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) getting the green light has taken a new turn..."
published: 2023-08-14
updated: 2023-08-14
author: "Mila"
site: "Diffcoin"
---

# Will Politics Determine The Future Of Spot Bitcoin ETFs? Ex-SEC Official Weighs In

The recent enthusiasm surrounding the possibility of a Bitcoin Spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) getting the green light has taken a new turn. Speculations, assumptions, and projections have been rife in the crypto community, but insights from those closely associated with regulatory bodies often cast a revealing light on such matters.

John Reeds Stark, a former US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official, is the [latest](https://twitter.com/JohnReedStark/status/1690707913789112320?s=20) to weigh in on this topic.

> Will the SEC Approve Any Of The Recent Bitcoin Spot ETF Applications?
> 
> People often ask for my opinion on whether the SEC will approve any of the recent spate of bitcoin spot ETF applications, which is an interesting and important question.
> 
> My take is that the current SEC will… [pic.twitter.com/lPXebl03Y4](https://t.co/lPXebl03Y4)
> 
> — John Reed Stark (@JohnReedStark) [August 13, 2023](https://twitter.com/JohnReedStark/status/1690707913789112320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## SEC’s Current Concerns: Manipulation And Regulatory Gaps?

Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account to voice his perspective, Stark, who once led the SEC’s Office of Internet Enforcement, shared what many might perceive as a mix of caution and hope for the future of crypto regulations in the US.

According to Stark, the SEC’s underlying concerns regarding approving a Spot Bitcoin ETF are the alleged manipulation and the perceived lack of adequate regulation within the crypto ecosystem.

Stark stated that the current SEC is unlikely to give a nod to such an ETF application due to these significant reasons. In Stark’s words, the scenario surrounding crypto regulations has also started taking a partisan hue, further complicating the regulatory landscape.

Stark tweeted:

> Issues surrounding crypto regulation have unfortunately become increasingly partisan at the SEC.

The Ex-SEC Official further noted that cryptocurrencies have undergone a transformative journey since their inception.

> This is surprising because when I first began writing about crypto in 2017, crypto was not at all a partisan issue. For instance, back then, President Donald Trump, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters all shared the same view about crypto i.e. that crypto was a dangerous and horrific plague.

## A Glimmer Of Hope With Political Shifts?

Stark’s revelations don’t just end with the SEC’s current reservations. He further speculates on the potential for a brighter crypto regulatory landscape, contingent on the outcome of forthcoming political shifts.

Interestingly, Stark opines that a Republican presidency might pave the way for a more crypto-friendly SEC. Citing past instances, Stark reminded his followers of the SEC’s approach under its then-chair, Jay Clayton, a Republican appointee.

Stark elaborates that if the upcoming elections see a Republican ascendancy, the newly appointed officials at the SEC could be more receptive to crypto innovations, including the approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF.

Should the speculation about “crypto-mom” Hester Peirce potentially becoming the acting Chair of the SEC come true under a new Republican regime, Stark believes that a drastic change in the U.S. SEC’s approach to crypto could be on the horizon.

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Bitcoin (BTC)’s price is moving sideways on the 4-hour chart. Source: BTC/USD on TradingView.com

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