The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to delay its decision on whether to allow options trading on BlackRockโs iShares Bitcoin Trust. The regulatory body stated that it needed more time to review the proposal from Nasdaq and would issue a decision on April 24.
This delay comes after the SEC also postponed its decision on a proposal from Cboe Exchange to list and trade options on spot bitcoin ETFs. In January, the SEC finally approved 11 spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a significant shift in their stance after years of denials.
Exchanges Eye Options Trading for Crypto ETFs
With the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, exchanges are now looking to enable traders to buy and sell options on these products. This move comes as trading volume and inflows for crypto ETFs have been consistently strong over the past month and a half.
- Options give holders the right to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price by a set date.
- Crypto ETFs offer investors exposure to digital assets without needing to directly purchase or store cryptocurrencies themselves.
- Investors can simply buy shares that track the underlying asset, with the fund manager handling the storage of the security or commodity.
BlackRockโs iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has emerged as one of the most successful Bitcoin ETFs in terms of inflows and trading volume. Traders have been snapping up shares of IBIT faster than other similar products, leading to record levels of inflows.
On Tuesday, IBIT achieved a new trading day record by attracting close to $3.8 billion in volume.
Hot Take: Delayed Decision Reflects Regulatory Caution
The SECโs decision to delay the ruling on options trading for BlackRockโs iShares Bitcoin Trust suggests that regulatory authorities are proceeding with caution in the crypto space. While the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs was a positive step, options trading adds another layer of complexity and risk to the market.
By taking additional time to review the proposals, the SEC is ensuring that it thoroughly evaluates the potential impact and safeguards necessary for options trading. This approach aligns with their responsibility to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
While this delay may cause some short-term disappointment, it ultimately demonstrates a commitment to responsible regulation within the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
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