Peter Schiff, a renowned economist known for his critical stance on cryptocurrencies, has recently expressed concerns over the anticipated approval of U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Schiff, who has long been a skeptic of digital currencies, referred to these upcoming ETFs as gateways for speculation, likening them to gambling arenas.
SEC Gears Up for Potential ETF Approval
As the financial world eagerly awaits the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) decision on spot Bitcoin ETFs, there have been various insights and speculations about the outcome.
Veteran journalist Charles Gasparino shared opinions from top securities lawyers, indicating that the SEC, led by Chairman Gary Gensler, might soon approve these ETFs.
Gensler has previously described Bitcoin as a speculative and volatile asset, akin to unstable fiat currencies like the Argentine peso.
Schiff has consistently voiced his skepticism towards Bitcoin and the regulatory institutions overseeing it. In October 2021, he opposed the SEC’s approval of a Bitcoin futures ETF and even called for the abolition of the SEC.
Schiff believes that the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, whether futures or spots, is misconstrued as a governmental endorsement of Bitcoin. He argues that any investment in Bitcoin, direct or through ETFs, equates to gambling.
Also Read: How Excitement Around Bitcoin ETF Approval Is Influencing the Crypto Space