Jacobi Asset Management gets approval from Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) to launch the world’s first “tier one Bitcoin ETF”. The news comes at a time when the global crypto community is eagerly waiting for a green signal from U.S. SEC for Bitcoin ETF.
Commenting on the news, Jacobi Asset Management CEO Jamie Khurshid said:
“This is an exciting moment for Europe as regulatory approval comes ahead of those waiting for a decision from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.”
The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF is a centrally cleared crypto-backed financial instrument, authorised by GFSC and with custody provided by Fidelity Digital Assets.
The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF will be listed on pan-European securities exchange Cboe Europe. This ETF is currently pending FCA listing approval.
Launched in May 2021, Jacobi is a newcomer in this space. However, it brings together expertise from Banking, Regulation, and Fintech to shape the future of digital asset management by designing, issuing and managing institutional crypto products and funds connected to digital assets.
Jacobi Asset Management is led by CEO Jamie Khurshid, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker and pioneer of regulatory transparency in financial markets. Jamie was named by Financial News as one of the top 40 under 40 in European trading and technology and ranked in the ‘Exchange invest’ Top 1000 most influential people in global financial markets. He has appointed a team with extensive financial services, regulatory and crypto asset expertise.
CEO Jamie Khurshid said:
“We are excited to be launching a new secure, transparent and accessible product to track the performance of Bitcoin. We are de-risking investments in crypto by removing the technology risk associated with the physical asset and the counterparty risk associated with traditional funds or tracker products that are unregulated leveraged debt instruments. We are proud to collaborate with Europe’s leading regulated firms for a truly tier 1 offering to service market demand, subject to the necessary regulated approval.
“The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF will finally bring digital assets wholly into the mainstream investment infrastructure with the support of the leading firms we are working with. It will provide investors with the opportunity to participate directly in physically-settled Bitcoin. This new ETF provides simple, secure, accessible investing into one of the world’s most exciting asset classes via some of the world’s leading regulated entities.”
Roy McGregor, Chairman of Jacobi Asset Management and former CEO of Credit Suisse Channel Islands.
Jacobi Bitcoin ETF investors will benefit from the security of Fidelity Digital Assets’ enterprise-grade custody and execution services, designed to enable institutional investors to safely secure, trade and support investments in digital assets.
Chris Tyrer, Head of Fidelity Digital AssetsSM in Europe, commented:
“Greater diversity of investor interest has created significant demand for additional vehicles for exposure to help provide broader access to digital asset markets. While safekeeping of assets is a top priority for investors and asset managers in all asset classes, the highly technical nature of digital assets places even more emphasis on this and underscores the need for institutional-grade custody solutions like ours.”
The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF was developed to meet regulatory standards by Christopher Jehan, Head of Fund Architecture and former Chair of the Guernsey Investment & Funds Association (GIFA). Christopher led the team at Midshore Consulting in designing the Fund with legal work performed by Collas Crill led by Partner Wayne Atkinson and Senior Associate Gareth Morgan.
The Asset manager states that prior to FCA listing approval, Jacobi Bitcoin ETF investments will be facilitated through Sigma Asset Management (Guernsey) Limited (“Sigma”), the fund manager providing management and administration. Fund consultancy support will continue through Midshore Consulting.
This Bitcoin ETF is currently available only for institutional investors. The ETF carries a 1.5% management fee, as mentioned in the fund’s brochure.