Grayscale Pursues Ambitious AVAX ETF Plan

Grayscale Investments is progressing its strategy by submitting a registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its proposed Avalanche Trust, targeting the AVAX coin. This move on August 25 signals Grayscale’s intention to offer investors a direct link to AVAX through the establishment of this exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Examining Grayscale’s ETF Submission for AVAX

The documentation details the core structure and aims of the ETF, which is designed to track Avalanche’s native token, AVAX. Such a setup allows investors to hold a stake directly tied to the Avalanche blockchain, presenting a novel opportunity for market participants.

Grayscale has announced its plans for the ETF to be listed on Nasdaq, bolstering the product’s credibility through its association with a reputable stock exchange. Hence, the responsibility of holding the AVAX tokens will lie with Coinbase Custody, engaging as the primary brokerage.

What Are the Next Steps?

After the submission, the SEC initiates the review process of the S-1 filing. Grayscale will reply with amendments should any comments arise, potentially necessitating multiple exchanges. The efficiency of this process depends significantly on the SEC’s response time. Meanwhile, Grayscale will take necessary steps with Nasdaq for listing, including the reserving of ETF symbols, corporate governance checking, and relevant fee payments. Any newly structured ETF might require Nasdaq to suggest a Rule 19b-4 modification, which needs public input and SEC’s final verdict.

Before trading begins, compliance with CUSIP and DTC (DTCC) standards will be ensured. The S-1 must be effective, and Nasdaq must approve the listing. Should a 19b-4 amendment be needed, it may take a substantial period for a final decision. A trade date will follow these confirmations.

Typically, the initial review of an S-1 spans 90 to 150 days, with the first SEC comments arriving within 30 days. With few issues, approval could be hastened to within eight weeks via Rule 461. Conversely, invoking a 19b-4 could extend proceedings to 240 days for SEC decision-making, allowing a 45-day extension period.

The submission marks a significant step in expanding investment opportunities within the digital currency sector.

• Grayscale submitted an S-1 for an AVAX ETF intent on Nasdaq listing.

• SEC’s process includes review and possible 19b-4 filing for rule adaptation.

• Timelines vary: basic approval could proceed in eight weeks, but complications may extend this to 240 days.

With this pivotal action, Grayscale looks to cement its role in pioneering investment products in the evolving crypto landscape, granting enhanced access to the digital assets sphere through the regulatory channels and innovative financial tools.