YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed its decision once again regarding options for spot Ethereum ETFs. This postponement extends the wait for a decision on whether the Cboe Exchange can list Ethereum options tied to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
SEC Delays Spot Ethereum ETF Decision Until December
On Oct. 11, the SEC announced it would delay its ruling on the proposed options tied to spot Ethereum ETFs. This extension pushes the decision date from Oct. 19 to Dec. 3. The delay affects several popular Ethereum funds, including the BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Trust.
SEC Filing on Ethereum ETF Options Delays. Source: SEC
The SEC had previously cleared Bitcoin ETF options in September, authorizing BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust to move forward. However, the agency has yet to approve any options tied to Ethereum ETFs, continuing its cautious approach.
Cboe Exchange’s Ethereum ETF Options in Limbo
In August, Cboe Exchange submitted a request to the SEC to list options for nine different Ethereum-focused ETFs. Among them were prominent funds like the Fidelity Ethereum Fund and Grayscale Mini Ethereum Trust. Despite the demand, the SEC’s decision to delay approval has left these requests pending for the time being.
The delay follows a similar situation in September when the SEC postponed a rule change request from Nasdaq’s electronic exchange. This request aimed to list options tied to Ethereum ETFs like BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust.
Progress for Bitcoin ETF Options, Ethereum Still Waiting
While Ethereum ETF options face delays, Bitcoin ETF options are moving forward. On Sept. 20, the SEC authorized Nasdaq to list options for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust. Now, the Bitcoin ETF options are awaiting approval from both the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC).
SEC Accelerates Approval of Bitcoin ETF Options. Source: Eric Balchunas on X
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart, Bitcoin ETF options could be available in the market by the first quarter of 2025. He also mentioned the possibility of their launch by the end of 2024, depending on the final regulatory approvals.
Awaiting SEC Approval
Options allow investors to buy or sell assets at a specified price, and their listing on U.S. regulated exchanges adds a level of security through the oversight of the OCC. For Ethereum ETF options, this would create new opportunities for market participants while managing risks associated with price fluctuations.
Jeff Park from Bitwise Investments mentioned in a recent post that listing spot crypto options on regulated exchanges would be a significant development for the crypto market. It would provide new tools for investors while reducing risks.
Jeff Park Highlights Bitcoin ETF Options for 2025. Source: Jeff Park on X Financial Advisers’ Growing Interest in ETFs with Options
Financial advisers, who manage a large share of the $9 trillion ETF market, have shown increased interest in options. According to a survey by The Journal of Financial Planning, over 10% of advisers are using options in their client portfolios. With Ethereum ETF options awaiting approval, advisers and investors continue to follow these developments closely.
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