SEC approves options trading on BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved options trading on BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), according to a filing published today. 

With IBIT options approved, investors now have a new tool for hedging and managing risk tied to Bitcoin’s price. These physically settled options will operate similarly to other ETF options already traded on US exchanges.

The SEC stated that IBIT options will face strict surveillance and oversight, following ETF trading rules with added Bitcoin-specific measures.

Key changes in the approval process included the establishment of conservative position and exercise limits, capping the options at 25,000 contracts. The SEC found this limit to be appropriate given the market capitalization and liquidity of the IBIT, considering it a conservative measure to deter market manipulation.

Surveillance and anti-manipulation measures, including real-time pattern tracking and post-trade surveillance, will ensure that market abuse is deterred and detected. This enhanced regulatory framework is crucial given Bitcoin’s volatility, which remains a point of concern for some investors and regulators alike.

The approval process began on January 9, 2024, when Nasdaq ISE filed a proposal to list and trade options on BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF. Following amendments and public comments, the SEC initiated proceedings to evaluate the proposal, addressing concerns over market manipulation, investor protection, and liquidity.

The approval of options trading on BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF marks a key step in crypto’s maturation, offering institutions more tools to hedge and manage Bitcoin exposure. Also today, BNY Mellon’s announcement of progress in crypto custody services highlights how traditional financial institutions are increasingly embracing the crypto market, driven by growing institutional demand.

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