Bitcoin ETF Options in US Hit A Setback as NYSE Aborts Options Plan

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience navigating the intricacies of financial markets, I find myself both intrigued and somewhat frustrated by the recent turn of events surrounding Bitcoin ETF options.


NYSE American LLC has officially declared that they will not proceed with plans to offer listing and trading options for two Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) – the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF and the Grayscale Bitcoin ETF. The initial proposal for listing these funds was submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

NYSE American Ends Plans to List Bitcoin ETF Options

NYSE American LLC has withdrawn its plan to allow options trading for two Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), specifically the Bitwise and Grayscale BTC ETFs. This decision was made and announced publicly through an SEC filing on August 15, 2024, following the formal withdrawal which took place on August 9, 2024.

On the other hand, it’s not just NYSE American that’s withdrawing its application; Cboe, MIAX Pearl, and BOX Exchange have also recently decided to halt their bids for listing options on spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Following its withdrawal, Cboe decided to re-submit their application, suggesting to some that a dialogue with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) remains active.

Regulatory Uncertainty Surrounds ETF Options

The decision by NYSE American LLC to abandon their proposal aligns with the growing uncertainty in the U.S. market about Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

Despite the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier in the year giving a green light to multiple spot Bitcoin ETF proposals from companies like BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity, the authorization for options trading on these ETFs is yet to be granted.

As a result, various exchanges continue to put forth suggestions, but often retract them due to potential regulatory complications. Moreover, the extended review times and indecisive decision-making by the SEC have contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the approval process for Bitcoin ETFs.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Market

The abandonment of the NYSE American’s proposal and similar moves by other exchanges might impact the crypto market significantly. If accepted, Bitcoin ETF options would have provided investors with additional opportunities to protect and speculate on Bitcoin’s price. However, this could also be viewed as a setback because there are currently limited methods for market players to manage their risks.

From a researcher’s perspective, I am optimistic that the approval process for Bitcoin ETF options may progress this year, as per the views of industry experts. As per ETF analyst James Seyffart’s predictions, if regulatory approval is granted, we might witness the debut of the first Bitcoin ETF products in Q4 2024.

Yet, any endorsement will undergo additional regulatory scrutiny from bodies like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) before it can be finalized.

Additionally, efforts are underway in the market to introduce ETF options for Ethereum, much like the proposed but later withdrawn option for Bitcoin that was presented by NYSE American.

Read More

2024-08-15 21:23