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In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the financial world, asset management giant BlackRock has filed its fifth amendment to its spot Bitcoin ETF application with the SEC. This update includes a surprise element: the addition of JPMorgan and Jane Street as authorized participants. This news is particularly noteworthy given JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s past vocal criticism of Bitcoin, calling it “gold without a government” and suggesting it should be banned. Dimon’s past pronouncements raise a critical question: Is this a genuine embrace of Bitcoin by JPMorgan, or a strategic move to capitalize on potential market demand? Many will be watching closely to see whether the bank puts its money where its mouth is and actively participates in the Bitcoin ETF’s trading, or if this is simply a tactical play for access. BlackRock’s choice of JPMorgan and Jane Street as authorized participants for Bitcoin ETF suggests a focus on institutional players in the Bitcoin market. Both firms are major players in traditional finance, with extensive experience in trading and custody. This development further heats up the ongoing saga of the first U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF. The SEC has yet to approve any such application, despite growing pressure from the industry and increasing mainstream interest in Bitcoin. BlackRock’s latest amendment, with its unexpected inclusions, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
