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The SEC has approved options trading for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF on the Nasdaq, marking the first spot Bitcoin ETF with options in the U.S., potentially transforming Bitcoin risk management for institutional investors.
Options on BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust, an exchange-traded fund (ETF), can now be traded on the Nasdaq in the same way as options on other ETFs, thanks to a September 20th SEC approval.
First Spot Bitcoin ETF Options Approved by SEC
According to the SEC notice, options on IBIT will be physically settled using American-style exercise and will be subject to the exchange's listing requirements both when initialized and continued.
Underlying securities are required to have a significant number of float shares that are dispersed to the public in order to meet these conditions.
Opening Doors to Complex Bitcoin Trading Strategies
Because this is the first time the SEC has authorized options trading for a spot Bitcoin ETF, it opens the door to more complex trading methods and risk management alternatives in the Bitcoin investment market, which is why the approval is noteworthy. Options enable investors to manage their exposure to the ups and downs of the Bitcoin price, which has led to an increase in the number of institutional investors in cryptocurrencies.
The fact that Bitcoin ETF options from BlackRock have been approved could mean that similar products will also be accepted in the future. Even though this approval is only for the Nasdaq, analysts are predicting that other US exchanges will follow suit soon, as reported by Coingape.
Future Spot Bitcoin ETF Options Likely on the Horizon
According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, additional products may receive final approvals from other authorities in the near future. Notable among these entities are the CFTC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Trading volumes for the IBIT Bitcoin ETF climbed over $875 million in early August, and they could reach even higher levels if the SEC approves the fund.
It is probable that institutional investors seeking sophisticated trading tools will increase their involvement if further spot Bitcoin ETFs are approved for options trading.
