Saha Swatilakha
Australia is set to join the growing list of countries offering spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with the launch of its first such product expected on Tuesday.
Monochrome Asset Management has announced that the Bitcoin ETF (IBTC) will begin trading on June 4, pending any last-minute delays. The ETF will trade under the ticker IBTC and will carry a management fee of 0.98%.
Monochrome Asset Management, the issuer of the ETF, aims to provide investors with a regulated means of gaining exposure to Bitcoin. The ETF tracks the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate index, ensuring that the investment is tied directly to the spot price of Bitcoin. This product is designed to offer a straightforward and secure way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of direct ownership.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the Australian financial market. Cboe Australia will become the first exchange in the country to list a Bitcoin ETF, outpacing the larger Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), which is also expected to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs before the end of the year.
The introduction of the IBTC ETF reflects a broader trend of institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a viable asset class. This year alone, regulated Bitcoin ETFs have been launched across North America, the UK, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Australia’s entry into the market underscores the growing legitimacy and institutional adoption of Bitcoin globally.
With other countries likely to follow Australia’s lead, the global landscape for Bitcoin ETFs is set to expand even further. The regulated nature of these financial products provides a level of security and legitimacy that appeals to both retail and institutional investors.
