News

The First Bitcoin ETFs Have Been Approved By US Regulators

The move takes cryptocurrencies a step further towards full Wall Street integration.

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2024

the first bitcoin etfs have been approved by us regulators

Fifteen years following the mining of the genesis block, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted approval for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The ruling marks a significant milestone in Bitcoin’s integration into the traditional financial system it once aimed to challenge. The decision paves the way for the availability of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs to investors, including those offered by Grayscale, Fidelity, and BlackRock, among others.

Gary Gensler, the SEC chairman, clarified the approval by stating, “While we approved the listing and trading of certain spot bitcoin ETP shares today, we did not approve or endorse Bitcoin. Investors should remain cautious about the myriad risks associated with bitcoin and products whose value is tied to crypto”.

For a decade, the SEC consistently rejected proposals for Bitcoin ETFs, which essentially function like bundles of assets, similar to mutual funds but tradable on exchanges. The commission regularly cited investment safety concerns, but now approval has been granted, new investors won’t need to set up individual wallets to trade Bitcoin, making it more accessible.

This development has generated considerable excitement among cryptocurrency enthusiasts, as ETF-issuing companies will be required to acquire corresponding amounts of Bitcoin to back their funds. Interestingly, the immediate impact on Bitcoin’s price was minimal, but in the long run, the introduction of a Bitcoin ETF is anticipated to facilitate the entry of traditional institutional investors into the cryptocurrency realm. This could include pension and insurance funds, leading to increased demand for Bitcoin.

Also Read: Non-Fungible Tokens: A Beginner’s Guide To Getting Started With NFTs

Until now, investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrency often invested in shares of crypto-centric companies such as Coinbase and MicroStrategy, the latter holding over $8 billion in Bitcoin as of January. The emergence of a Bitcoin ETF could potentially affect the valuation of these companies.

It’s important to mention that a false announcement briefly circulated on the SEC’s Twitter/X account on Tuesday, falsely claiming approval of Bitcoin ETFs, which caused some confusion.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.