Cboe’s BZX exchange has taken a step towards the launch of the first spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) within the United States through the submission of the paperwork for products tied to Ark 21Shares and VanEck.

Google has announced through a post that it’s updating its advertising policy to allow companies to promote their non-fungible token (NFT) games.  “Beginning September 15, 2023, advertisers offering NFT games that do not promote gambling-related content may advertise those products and services when they meet the following requirements and are certified by Google.”

Leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance has announced it’s set to delist privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in Belgium later this month, in a move that comes roughly three months after the exchange delisted these coins in other European countries.

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• Ark 21Shares and VanEck File to Launch Spot Ether ETFs
• Google Updates Advertising Policy to Allow NFT Games That Do Not Promote Gambling
• Binance to Delist Privacy Coins in Belgium

Ark 21Shares and VanEck File to Launch Spot Ether ETFs

Cboe’s BZX exchange has taken a step towards the launch of the first spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) within the United States through the submission of the paperwork for products tied to Ark 21Shares and VanEck.

The exchange filed paperwork formally kicking off a review process. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will now acknowledge the filings, kicking off a 240-day period for a decision to be made on the product.

Historically, the SEC has maximized the allocated window for assessing such applications, although intermediate decision points are available to the regulator.

Nasdaq-listed cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is set to act as the surveillance-sharing partner for both products, a similar role it plans on playing with various spot Bitcoin ETF applications.

The exchange will also act as the custodian for the Ether tokens held by the Ark 21Shares trust, while VanEck did not disclose the name of its custodian. If one of these applications is to be approved, it will be a watershed moment for the U.S. market, which currently does not have spot crypto ETFs.

Traditional financial behemoths including BlackRock and Fidelity have, however, filed for spot Bitcoin ETFs with the SEC. The regulator has so far rejected every spot Bitcoin ETF application.

Google Updates Advertising Policy to Allow NFT Games That Do Not Promote Gambling

Google has announced through a post that it’s updating its advertising policy to allow companies to promote their non-fungible token (NFT) games.  “Beginning September 15, 2023, advertisers offering NFT games that do not promote gambling-related content may advertise those products and services when they meet the following requirements and are certified by Google.”

According to the tech giant, advertising NFT games that highlight virtual in-game items to enhance users’ experience – such as characters’ wardrobes or tools – are following the new policy.

NFT games that include gambling components, however, are not going to be allowed to advertise with the world’s largest search engine. Per the company this will include games letting players “wager on NFTs” or that promote “real money gambling” or “social casino games.”

It’s also important for companies to remember that while Google has its rules, local laws will still apply. Google emphasized it expects advertisers to comply with the local laws for any area that their ads target.

The updated policy comes months after Google started allowing Android users to download apps and games that let users buy, sell, and earn digital assets like NFTs.

Binance to Delist Privacy Coins in Belgium

Leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance has announced it’s set to delist privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in Belgium later this month, in a move that comes roughly three months after the exchange delisted these coins in other European countries.

Binance explained that while it wants to “support as many quality projects as possible,” the firm is “required to follow local laws and regulations regarding the trading of privacy coins.” The cryptocurrencies being delisted include Monero (XMR), MobileCoin (MOB), Firo (FIRO), and Horizen (ZEN).

Back in June, the cryptocurrency made a similar move in France, Italy, Poland, and Spain. Last week the firm shared it’ll be serving its Belgian customers through its branch in Poland, meaning the rules that applied to Poland will now apply to Belgian users as well.

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