BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF options set to launch tomorrow

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BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) options are set to begin trading tomorrow, according to Alison Hennessy, head of ETP listings at Nasdaq.

🚨 Breaking: NASDAQ’s head of ETP listings tells @EricBalchunas they’re ready to begin trading #Bitcoin ETF options “as early as tomorrow.”

Source: Bloomberg pic.twitter.com/A6hKS8l7ny

— Crypto Briefing (@Crypto_Briefing) November 18, 2024

In a statement today, the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), the world’s largest equity derivatives clearing organization, confirmed its readiness to clear and settle options for spot Bitcoin ETFs, such as the BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (iBIT).

The statement referenced key developments, including the SEC’s approval on September 20 to allow options trading for the iBIT Trust and the CFTC’s November 15 staff advisory on clearing options for spot commodity ETFs.

Following the announcement, Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas stated it’s “a matter of when, not if.”

Hours later, Alison Hennessy, Nasdaq’s Head of ETP Listings, said on ETF IQ that iBIT options could be listed as soon as tomorrow.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has already established itself as a major player in the crypto space since its launch in January.

The ETF has amassed $43 billion in assets under management (AUM) and holds nearly 472,000 Bitcoin, reflecting robust institutional demand.

This announcement comes as Bitcoin ETF trading volumes have surged, ranging between $3 billion and $7 billion throughout November.

The uptick coincides with Donald Trump’s victory as the 47th US president, following his widely expected reelection win on November 6.

This renewed optimism mirrors the early-year momentum seen during the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January, when trading volumes ranged between $4 billion and $12 billion before declining in Q2 and Q3.

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