ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood expressed encouraging optimism Tuesday that the SEC will finally approve a spot Bitcoin ETF in January 2023.

In an interview, Wood praised crypto ETP provider 21Shares, with whom ARK is collaborating on Bitcoin and Ethereum futures ETF products. She touted 21Shares as the largest pure-play provider globally with $2 billion in assets, saying "we're watching the plumbing and the plumbing works."

Wood believes SEC knowledge has progressed enough for Bitcoin ETF approval by January 10th. She says an SEC green light would allow institutional flows into crypto, prompting demand for diversified exposure — where ARK aims to be ready with active management strategies.

For 2024, Wood expects Bitcoin's standout 2023 performance to continue as counterparty risks, transparency, and disinflationary qualities win over investors. She predicts treatment as a digital gold within 5 years and adoption as legal tender by additional countries over time.