The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires additional time to decide whether to approve the trading of options tied to Ethereum exchange-traded funds.
Review Stages
According to a February filing by Nasdaq ISE, the SEC must make a final decision by April 2025 regarding the permission to trade options on BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). The proposed Nasdaq rule changes will apply exclusively to options on ETHA.
Market Impact
The creation of an options market for Ether ETFs is a significant step toward widespread adoption. Spot Ether ETFs were listed in July 2024 and have attracted approximately $9 billion in net assets.
Industry Reaction
Options on Bitcoin ETFs began trading in November and immediately showed high activity. Regulatory changes and the involvement of crypto-friendly leaders have raised industry hopes for rapid approvals.
The SEC's decision could significantly influence future trading strategies in cryptocurrency assets and accelerate institutional adoption.
