Rule 19b-4

Definition ∞ Rule 19b-4 is a regulation under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the United States, requiring self-regulatory organizations to file proposed rule changes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This rule governs the process for exchanges to introduce new products, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or modify existing trading rules. It serves as a critical procedural step for new financial product listings. Compliance ensures regulatory oversight of market operations.
Context ∞ News about Rule 19b-4 is highly prevalent in the crypto space, particularly concerning applications for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Key discussions often center on the SEC’s interpretation of market manipulation concerns and investor protection standards for digital asset products. A critical future development involves the SEC’s continued evaluation of these filings, which could significantly shape the accessibility of crypto investments for mainstream financial markets.