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News from the SEC on ETFs: BlackRock has obtained the ticker
December 19, 2023
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ETF News: the landing on Nasdaq, BlackRock is about to beat the SEC

In other words, it seems like everything is almost ready for the landing on Nasdaq

The only thing missing is the approval of the SEC, but theoretically this should arrive within twenty days or a little more. 

To tell the truth, the iShares Bitcoin spot ETF, which is BlackRock’s subsidiary that deals with ETFs, should not be the first to receive approval

The first one, for which the maximum deadline by which the SEC must make a decision is January 10, 2024, is that of Ark and 21Shares, but the hypothesis is that the SEC will approve all those requests that meet the requirements to be approved together.

For this reason, BlackRock is doing everything possible to be fully prepared to receive approval as early as January, along with Ark and all the others. 

All of this suggests that the shares of iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) will be made tradable on Nasdaq shortly after the final approval from the SEC, possibly as early as the first half of January. 

Note that a US court ruling at the end of August effectively requires the SEC not to reject the approval of these requests, if they are correct, and that the same SEC chairman Gary Gensler recently admitted that the ruling forced them to seriously consider the possibility of approving them, after years of refusal. 

Furthermore, the agency has also decided not to appeal against that sentence, that is, accepting it in its entirety. 

The launch on the markets

But there’s more.

One of the competitors of BlackRock and Ark in this context, namely Bitwise, yesterday published on its X profile an advertisement for its ETF on Bitcoin spot, even before it has been approved.

In reality, there are two commercials, and they do not explicitly advertise their Bitcoin spot ETF, as this is obviously not yet available on the markets. 

However, they advertise their ETFs and Bitcoin, so it is quite evident that the implicit purpose is to promote their spot Bitcoin ETF, which is believed to be landing on the markets shortly. 

In other words, it seems that everything is almost ready for the immediate launch on the markets of ETFs on Bitcoin spot as soon as they receive approval from the SEC, which now seems almost certain. 

Moreover, the Bitwise commercial does not seem to be aimed at large institutional investors, but at wealthy private investors. 

It is worth remembering that among BlackRock’s clients there are also many wealthy private investors, and a derivative instrument such as an ETF, available on traditional exchange platforms (such as Nasdaq), also allows them to easily take a position on the price of Bitcoin without any additional complications. 

So Bitwise caters to wealthy private investors, while BlackRock caters to both them and large institutional clients. 

ETF News: the race for approval and BlackRock’s battle against the SEC

Actually, there are about ten similar requests awaiting approval from the SEC. Practically all of their emissaries and managers are speeding up to try to obtain approval. 

For example, it is news from yesterday that WisdomTree has also submitted an updated application to the SEC. 

The point is that the SEC has been in dialogue with all applicants for months to ensure that they have all the necessary information to submit updated applications with all the requirements to be approved. 

In other words, the SEC has been working for months to put these applicants in a position to have their requests approved, and in such a context it would simply be absurd to imagine that they would end up rejecting them. 

In the USA, there is a real race for approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs, with all applicants working hard to be ready for the crucial moment in early January. 

The impact on Bitcoin

Perhaps it is also because of all this that the correction of the Bitcoin price has stopped.

After being around $44,000 for a few days, the price of Bitcoin on December 11th had dropped below $41,000. 

The decline stopped on the same day, but there had been no rebound until the 13th. 

On the 13th, it had risen above $43,000, but only to drop back to $41,000 yesterday. 

Tonight there was a new bounce, which could determine the end of this small and short correction. 

Now the price has returned to $43,000, but it could also try to go back above $44,000. The possibility of trying a new attack on $45,000 cannot even be excluded, since the ones on December 5th and December 8th were really very timid and ineffective.

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Fund Tokenization Prepares Asset Managers for ‘Perfect Storm’

Synopsis:

  • Great Wealth Transfer will see $84 trillion of intragenerational asset transfer over the next 20 years
  • Gen Y and Z investors favor investment in alternative asset types, which tokenization makes more investable for HNW clients
  • Tokenization encourages platform changes, and will ultimately bring additional operational benefits

A triumvirate of large-scale market changes are set to transform the asset management industry over the next decade.

With trillions of dollars worth of assets set to flow into the wallets of Gen X, Y, and Z investors, much of which will accumulate onchain, asset managers who move first to serve this new market will gain an advantage in capturing this revenue opportunity. The immediate opportunity is similar to when the ETF format was introduced in 1993, with first-mover State Street launching the SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF)—now one of the largest ETFs globally. The tokenized asset format is today’s generational opportunity.

Tokenization can unlock accessibility to alternative asset types and more composable assets and structures, enabling a significant change in how investors manage portfolios. With greater automation and rules-based investment allocations, entirely new strategies could also become economically viable. Integrating existing platforms with next-generation digital systems will enable the industry to modernize in stages, ultimately allowing for the adoption of new asset types at scale.

The forthcoming vicennial transformation of the industry will enable it to transform and emerge triumphant. Those at the forefront of this technology evolution stand to dominate and shape the future of asset management.

 

Great Wealth Transfer prompts global investment shake-up

The asset management industry is on the cusp of the largest wealth transfer event ever, set to last for the next two decades. Consulting firm Cerulli Associates estimates $84 trillion in assets is set to change hands as wealth passes from the baby boomer generation to Gen X, Y, and Z investors.

However, the investment behavior of these younger benefactors differs significantly from their forebears in two ways. Holding Web3 wallets and accounts on Robinhood, rather than brokerage accounts like their parents, millennials are opting for a more self-service model in their long-term holdings. Add to that the shift in risk appetite, searching for higher growth through less conventional asset types like private markets and crypto, and the need for the industry to transform quickly is clear.

Whilst the industry is not currently set up to offer this new investor class more customization, as opposed to one-size-fits-all product offerings, an 80% majority of asset managers believe customization for the masses will be an important investment strategy in the next five years.

 
 

                                          Ryan Lovell, Chainlink Labs

 

While asset managers could build their own proprietary blockchain infrastructure and smart contract systems from the ground up, that approach would require significant resources and specialized engineers, extend time to market, and be at higher risk of technical vulnerabilities or implementation errors. On the other hand, fully outsourcing the implementation would leave them with limited roadmap control, interoperability, and customizability, along with dependency risks.

Ryan Lovell, director of capital markets at Chainlink Labs, commented: “That’s why leading asset managers are taking a hybrid approach, leveraging both existing systems and Chainlink’s decentralized infrastructure to implement modular solutions that can scale across multiple blockchains.”

 

Industry transformation through tokenization

The launch of tokenized funds by firms such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Fidelity International has created a need for the fund administration industry to evolve to an onchain format. However, nearly all, 93% of fund services firms, have not automated data inputs, data checks, and key workflows, so their operations are still manually intensive, leading to increased operational costs, reduced liquidity, and missed investment opportunities. Standard transfer agent processing can take between one and three days for routine transactions, and between five and seven days for complex cases requiring additional compliance checks, cross-border settlements, or manual document verification.

“Operational efficiency is just the starting point of tokenizing funds,” said Lovell. “The real value is meeting the needs of future investors who are increasingly accumulating wealth across multiple blockchain networks.”

In order to reach this new onchain world, asset managers and their service providers may not want to make a huge investment to completely change their infrastructure, but instead adapt their existing systems to make them compatible with multiple blockchains.

For example, in November 2024, SBI Digital Markets, UBS Asset Management, and Chainlink completed the implementation of a tokenized fund to demonstrate how existing fund administration processes can be successfully made compatible with tokenized funds.

SBI Digital Markets, as a custodian and fund distributor, used smart contracts, oracle networks, and multiple blockchains to automate its processes. One of the key components was the digital transfer agent smart contract, which used multiple oracle networks from Chainlink and its blockchain-agnostic architecture to create a unified golden record.

Lovell compared the digital transfer agent to an offchain/onchain coordinator that does everything that a traditional transfer agent does, but in digital form.

“It does not replace the existing system but enables firms to be compatible with blockchain and then offer a service that can scale to all their customers,” he said. “Asset managers should be demanding this from their service providers.”

The pilot showed that a tokenized fund could maintain its share register on one blockchain while using Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to enable the processing of intensive fund lifecycle activities such as subscriptions and redemptions on different blockchains while meeting institutional security and compliance standards.

Swift, UBS Asset Management, and Chainlink also settled tokenized fund subscriptions and redemptions using the Swift network, which enables payments with fiat currencies across more than 11,500 financial institutions in over 200 countries.

                                     Winston Quek, SBI Digital Markets

Winston Quek, CEO at SBI Digital Markets, said in a statement: “This new way of launching fund structures and administering them via smart contracts empowers both fund managers and their service providers to deliver new onchain financial products and lower operational costs to investors, both things they are actively looking for.”

In addition to lowering costs, using blockchains increases transparency and allows real-time reconciliation between the fund distributor and the fund issuer. Lovell highlighted that Chainlink can also use the same architecture to enable investors who want to hold tokens that are backed by offchain assets, settle these tokens across any blockchain, incorporate data that is needed to process transactions onchain, such as NAV data, and coordinate payments between distributors and the asset managers.

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“We allow all of those service providers to coordinate outside of their firewalls,” said Lovell. “Chainlink’s goal is to enable the TradFi and DeFi worlds to seamlessly connect, which increases utility.”

 

The Great Wealth Transfer is driving asset management onchain

With $84 trillion set to flow from baby boomers to Gen X, Y, and Z, their demand for alternative asset types and customization will shape the future of asset management. While today’s systems may be prohibitively expensive to offer these benefits at scale, tokenization changes the economics.

Tokenized funds by BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Fidelity International have already proven the demand for onchain assets, while a solution by SBI Digital Markets, UBS Asset Management, and Chainlink has demonstrated the operational efficiencies of blockchain technology and how onchain assets can be provided at scale.

The choice is clear for asset managers and service providers: embrace the tokenization revolution and lead the next era of finance or risk being left behind. Those who act now will not only gain a first-mover advantage but also shape the future of the industry.

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Stellar's Ecosystem Surges Forward: Smart Contracts, Lightning Speed, and Real-World Impact in 2025

The Stellar blockchain ecosystem is experiencing remarkable momentum in 2025, with groundbreaking technical achievements and expanding real-world adoption that position it as a major player in the decentralized finance landscape. From lightning-fast transaction speeds to innovative smart contract capabilities, Stellar is demonstrating that blockchain technology can deliver both performance and practical utility.

Technical Breakthroughs Drive Performance

The Stellar Development Foundation's Q1 2025 quarterly report reveals impressive technical milestones that showcase the network's maturation. The platform now processes an astounding 5,000 transactions per second with remarkably fast 2.5-second block times, putting it among the fastest blockchain networks in operation today.

This performance leap isn't just about raw numbers—it represents Stellar's commitment to creating infrastructure that can handle real-world demand. Whether it's cross-border payments, asset tokenization, or decentralized applications, the network's enhanced capabilities provide the foundation for scalable blockchain solutions.

Smart Contracts Get Smarter with Soroban

One of the most significant developments has been the launch and continued evolution of Soroban, Stellar's smart contract platform. The introduction of Contract Copilot represents a major advancement in developer experience, enabling faster and safer smart contract development through enhanced tooling and guidance.

This focus on developer experience is crucial for ecosystem growth. By lowering barriers to entry and improving the development process, Stellar is positioning itself to attract innovative projects and talented developers who might otherwise choose competing platforms.

New Token Standards Meet Market Needs

The Stellar Development Foundation has introduced new token standards developed specifically based on feedback from developers and institutional users. This responsive approach to platform development demonstrates Stellar's commitment to building technology that meets actual market needs rather than theoretical requirements.

These standards are particularly important as institutional adoption continues to grow, with organizations requiring robust, compliant, and flexible token frameworks for their blockchain initiatives.

Global USDC Integration Expands Utility

The integration of USDC across Stellar's global network represents a significant milestone for practical cryptocurrency adoption. Stablecoins like USDC provide the price stability necessary for everyday transactions and business operations, making them crucial for blockchain platforms seeking real-world utility.

This integration is particularly impactful in emerging markets, where access to stable digital currencies can provide financial services to underbanked populations and facilitate more efficient cross-border transactions.

Industry Events Build Community Momentum

The Stellar ecosystem's growing influence is evident in its presence at major industry events. The foundation's participation as a sponsor at Consensus 2025 in Toronto and Digital Assets Week in New York demonstrates its commitment to engaging with builders, investors, and institutional leaders across the blockchain space.

These events serve as crucial networking opportunities and platforms for showcasing innovative projects within the Stellar ecosystem. Recent Meridian events have highlighted creative projects like Skyhitz and HoneyCoin, illustrating the collaborative spirit and diverse applications being built on the platform.

Real-World Impact in Emerging Markets

Perhaps most importantly, Stellar's growth isn't just about technical metrics—it's about real-world impact. The platform's focus on emerging markets addresses genuine financial inclusion challenges, providing efficient payment rails and access to digital financial services where traditional banking infrastructure may be limited.

This practical approach to blockchain implementation sets Stellar apart from projects that focus primarily on speculative trading or theoretical use cases. By solving actual problems for real users, Stellar is building sustainable demand for its technology.

Looking Ahead: Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure

Stellar positions itself as offering enterprise-grade asset tokenization alongside its DeFi capabilities and payment infrastructure. This comprehensive approach makes it attractive to institutions looking for a single platform that can handle multiple blockchain use cases.

The combination of fast transactions, low costs, smart contract capabilities, and regulatory-conscious development creates a compelling value proposition for enterprises considering blockchain adoption.

The Road Forward

As 2025 progresses, Stellar's ecosystem appears well-positioned for continued growth. The technical infrastructure improvements, developer-focused enhancements, and real-world adoption initiatives create a strong foundation for expanding use cases and user adoption.

The blockchain industry has seen many projects promise revolutionary capabilities, but Stellar's focus on delivering measurable performance improvements and practical solutions suggests a mature approach to blockchain development. With transaction speeds that rival traditional payment systems and growing institutional adoption, Stellar is demonstrating that blockchain technology can move beyond experimental phases into mainstream utility.

For developers, institutions, and users looking for blockchain solutions that prioritize both performance and practical applicability, Stellar's 2025 developments represent significant progress toward a more accessible and useful decentralized financial ecosystem.

Source: The Dinarian ⚡ Claude AI

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Soroban Security Audit Bank: Raising the Standard for Smart Contract Security

The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) is deeply committed to helping ensure that the highest security standards are available for projects building on the Stellar network. Last year SDF launched the Soroban Security Audit Bank, an initiative to provide projects access to auditing experts and tooling that are proven to help prevent hacks by catching potential bugs, inefficiencies, and security flaws before contracts go live. Through the Soroban Security Audit Bank, we’re empowering teams building on Soroban with comprehensive security audits from leading audit firms, enhanced readiness support, and robust tooling, significantly elevating the ecosystem’s safety and efficiency.

Since launch, the Soroban Security Audit Bank has successfully conducted over 40 essential audits, deploying over $3 million to support security of the smart contracts on Stellar. Check it out!

 

Ecosystem Success Stories: How the Soroban Audit Bank Drives Security Forward

By making automated formal verification available to developers, in addition to allocating significant budget for securing many of the top DeFi protocols built on top of Stellar, SDF has established a new security standard in the Web3 ecosystem. Mooly Sagiv, Co-Founder of Certora
SDF has been a strong partner as we’ve worked with teams across the Stellar ecosystem. SDF’s Audit Bank initiative allows for a smooth and streamlined review process, and is a clear reflection of the Stellar ecosystem’s enhanced commitment to security. Robert Chen, CEO of OtterSec
 

Leading projects within the Soroban ecosystem have highlighted the impact of the Audit Bank

Finding a good auditor is difficult, expensive, and high-stakes. The Audit Bank streamlines the process and supports ecosystem projects with security review at critical growth milestones. Markus Paulson, Co-Founder of Script3
The audit firms we worked with deeply understood the full ecosystem and the underlying protocols used. Their expertise and the tools from the Audit Bank strengthened our security and supported user and investor trust. Esteban Iglesias Manríquez, Co-Founder of Palta.Labs

What's New in 2025: Enhanced Audit Support for Soroban Builders

Teams building financial protocols, high-dependency data services, high-traction dApps funded by the Stellar Community Fund are able to request an audit and will typically be matched with a reputable audit firm within two weeks. We recently restructured the program for this year to enhance audit efficiency and incentivize accountability, and rapid and complete vulnerability remediation:

  • Complimentary Initial Audit: Projects will need to contribute 5% of the audit cost upfront, but this co-payment amount is eligible for a full refund, provided that critical, high, and medium vulnerabilities identified are swiftly remediated within 20 business days of receiving the initial audit report (learn more).
  • Incentivized Security at Key Traction Milestones: Complimentary, extensive follow-up audits are available as projects achieve critical traction milestones (e.g., $10M and $100M TVL). These audits include deeper assessments such as formal verification or competitive audits, significantly boosting project security at pivotal stages.
  • Advanced Security Tooling: Projects can enhance their security self-serve through complimentary or discounted access to specialized tooling, which provide vulnerability detection and formal verification capabilities (see full list of available tooling). These tools are encouraged to capture ‘easy-to-spot’ issues prior to audit as well as a final check post-audit to increase the effectiveness and thoroughness of audits.
  • Enhanced Audit Readiness Support: Projects receive structured preparation support, including the implementation of best practices and security standards based on the STRIDE threat modeling framework. This ensures project teams are thoroughly prepared, optimizing audit efficiency and minimizing delays.

Get Started Today

If you're already funded through the Stellar Community Fund, meet the criteria and ready to secure your smart contracts, check your email for an invitation to submit an audit request–if you haven’t received one, contact [email protected].

If you haven't built on Stellar yet, we encourage you to start your journey with the Stellar Community Fund to become eligible for future security audits and ecosystem support. For any broader questions on the program, contact [email protected].

Also, we’re organizing an exciting series of workshops–join us for the kick-off on Soroban Security Best Practices on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 2 PM ET on @StellarOrg. Together, we're shaping a secure and resilient future for smart contracts on Stellar.

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