Franklin Templeton files for spot Ethereum ETF, becoming eighth applicant overall Franklin Templeton files for spot Ethereum ETF, becoming eighth applicant overall
The SEC is expected to decide on existing applications in May.
2 min read
Updated: Feb. 13, 2024 at 7:36 pm UTC
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Franklin Templeton has become the latest asset manager to apply for a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the publication of a Feb. 12 filing.
The company detailed its plans in an S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Like other similar proposals, the fund will issue shares representing its assets — primarily Ethereum (ETH), which will be held by a custodian on its behalf. The fund also aims to reflect the price performance of ETH.
Franklin Templeton identified Coinbase Custody as its cryptocurrency custodian and Bank of New York Mellon as its cash custodian, administrator, and transfer agent.
The proposal only allows for cash creations and redemptions, as opposed to in-kind creations and redemptions that would allow for certain participants to transact in crypto. It also describes how potential Ethereum staking rewards could be treated as income for the fund. Competing applicants Ark Invest and 21Shares also addressed these issues in an amended filing on Feb. 7.
Reuters stated that Franklin Templeton is the eighth asset manager to apply for a spot Ethereum ETF. Separately, the firm’s Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC) was one of several spot Bitcoin ETFs to gain approval in January.
SEC must decide on VanEck’s ETH ETF in May
The SEC must decide to approve or reject a competing spot Ethereum ETF application from VanEck by May 23, 2023 without further postponing its decision. The securities agency will likely decide on several other similar applications with similar content at that time.
One Polymarket prediction market predicts a 48% chance that a spot Ethereum ETF will be approved in May. James Seyffart expects 60% odds of approval in May, while JP Morgan analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou anticipates 50% odds of approval in May.
Standard Chartered believes that a spot Ethereum ETF will be approved in May, while TD Cowen expects that this type of fund will not be approved until 2025 or 2026.
Edit: This piece originally stated incorrectly that Franklin Templeton is the ninth asset manager to apply for a spot Ethereum ETF.
Ethereum Market Data
At the time of press 7:36 pm UTC on Feb. 13, 2024, Ethereum is ranked #2 by market cap and the price is up 0.14% over the past 24 hours. Ethereum has a market capitalization of $316.28 billion with a 24-hour trading volume of $20.36 billion. Learn more about Ethereum ›
Crypto Market Summary
At the time of press 7:36 pm UTC on Feb. 13, 2024, the total crypto market is valued at at $1.85 trillion with a 24-hour volume of $81.83 billion. Bitcoin dominance is currently at 52.26%. Learn more about the crypto market ›
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Author 
Mike Dalton
Before transitioning to crypto writing in 2018, Mike studied library and information sciences. Currently, he resides on Canada's West Coast.
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In this article
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps).
Franklin Templeton
Franklin Resources, Inc., commonly known as Franklin Templeton, stands as an American multinational holding company rooted in the world of finance.
Coinbase
Coinbase is a digital currency exchange and wallet service that allows individuals to buy, sell, and store digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
BNY Mellon
BNY Mellon, also known as The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, is a global financial services company that provides a range of investment management, investment services, and wealth management services.