SEC Greenlights In Kind Redemptions for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, Signaling New Era for Crypto Funds

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has officially approved in-kind creation and redemption processes for all spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. This change allows institutional players to trade ETF shares using the actual cryptocurrencies rather than cash, a move widely seen as a major upgrade in how these products operate.

The announcement comes just months after Paul Atkins stepped in as the new SEC chair, bringing with him a more market-friendly stance toward digital assets. His leadership appears to be ushering in a fresh regulatory chapter for crypto ETFs and broader digital markets.

What Are In Kind Redemptions and Why Do They Matter?

In a traditional ETF setup, shares are created or redeemed using fiat currency. That means when investors buy in or exit, authorized participants (large institutional traders) must handle cash transfers and crypto conversions separately. It adds steps and creates friction.

With in-kind redemptions now allowed, these ETF market makers can directly deposit or withdraw Bitcoin or Ethereum when adjusting fund share supply. That means fewer conversion fees, faster rebalancing, and tighter tracking between the ETF’s price and the underlying asset.

According to the SEC’s official statement, this change is designed to “enhance efficiency and reduce costs for ETF participants.” And for the first time, it aligns crypto ETFs more closely with traditional commodity and equity ETF mechanics.

BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Stand to Gain

The decision is particularly beneficial for major issuers like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Ark Invest, all of which had filed amendments seeking in-kind handling since January 2025. These issuers were previously limited to cash creations when the SEC first approved spot Bitcoin ETFs back in early 2024.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is expected to transition quickly to the in-kind model, as the firm has been actively preparing infrastructure and custodianship workflows for months. Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund and Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF are also in line to benefit from the operational shift.

The streamlined process could also make it easier for newer institutional entrants to enter the space. Hedge funds, arbitrage desks, and pension investors all gain from having a more direct way to engage with crypto-backed products.

SEC Also Raises Option Limits on IBIT

Alongside the in-kind decision, the SEC also approved an increase in position limits for options contracts tied to BlackRock’s IBIT fund. This move gives traders more flexibility to hedge or speculate using options without breaching regulatory limits.

Position limits exist to prevent market manipulation and to keep risk manageable. By raising those limits, the SEC is essentially acknowledging that the Bitcoin ETF market is maturing and can support larger trades. Analysts say this could significantly boost liquidity and attract even more professional investors.

“This is a milestone for crypto ETFs,” said Amanda Roth, head of ETF strategy at a New York based investment firm. “We’ve seen big inflows over the past year, but this could open the floodgates further, especially among institutions that were previously hesitant.”

A Turning Point Under New Leadership

This is the first major crypto supportive policy under Paul Atkins, who took over as SEC Chair in early 2025. Atkins has previously served as a commissioner at the SEC and is known for championing open markets and lighter regulation.

In his press briefing, Atkins emphasized that his goal is to “create a modern regulatory framework that reflects the unique dynamics of the crypto asset ecosystem.”

He added, “We believe these changes strike a balance between innovation and investor protection. By aligning ETF rules with the nature of digital assets, we make these products more efficient and easier to manage.”

It’s a dramatic contrast to the tone under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose tenure was marked by strict enforcement and cautious approvals. Analysts say the new administration could push forward more crypto friendly reforms, including updates to custody rules, staking clarity, and guidance for decentralized finance.

What Comes Next?

With in-kind redemptions now in place, market watchers expect a noticeable impact on trading volumes and ETF premiums. These funds may see tighter spreads, improved liquidity, and more seamless capital inflows and outflows.

The decision also strengthens the case for Ethereum ETFs, which had lagged in popularity behind their Bitcoin counterparts. Now that both assets can benefit from the same operational mechanics, fund managers expect to see greater balance in investor demand.

Crypto analysts at Galaxy Digital noted that “the move will likely pressure issuers to compete more on fees and performance, which benefits investors across the board.”

As of July 30, Bitcoin was trading just below $118,000 and Ethereum near $3,800. Some speculate that easier ETF access could drive renewed retail and institutional buying into the second half of 2025.

The next step? Several asset managers are now expected to file proposals for multi-asset crypto ETFs, including combinations of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even Solana or tokenized Treasury backed stablecoins. With the regulatory door now open wider, the U.S. ETF market for digital assets may finally be ready for prime time.