**News Flash: Nasdaq Seeks Approval for Ethereum ETF Options Trading**
Nasdaq has filed a request with U.S. regulators to allow options trading on spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move specifically targets Blackrock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), the sole Ether ETF listed on Nasdaq’s electronic exchange.
This filing is a significant step towards broader adoption of ETH ETFs, which have already seen around $1.5 billion in net inflows since their July listing. Blackrock's ETHA alone has attracted over $500 million.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to authorize options trading on spot Bitcoin ETFs, despite their substantial $50 billion market presence. The SEC has indicated that more time is needed to make a decision on this matter.
Options are crucial for hedging against market volatility and are popular among hedge funds and financial planners. Financial advisers, who influence a significant portion of the $9 trillion ETF market, are increasingly using options in client portfolios.
Morgan Stanley is set to allow its advisers to recommend BTC ETFs soon, and major hedge funds are making significant investments in Bitcoin funds, signaling growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency ETFs.