The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission has again delayed the decision about another crypto listing. According to the October 11 filing, the commission has delayed decisions about options tied to Ether exchange traded funds (ETFs). Let’s explore what investors were hoping and what is happening.
Another Postponement for Ether ETF Options
On October 11, the SEC pushed back its ruling on a proposal from the Cboe Exchange. The exchange wants to list options on several popular Ether ETFs. Originally, the SEC was supposed to decide by October 19. Now, the new deadline is December 3. This isn’t the first delay from the SEC when it comes to crypto-related decisions. In fact, they delayed a similar request from Nasdaq in September.
Interestingly, though, on September 20, the SEC did give Nasdaq the green light to list options for BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. Those Bitcoin options are still waiting for approvals from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) before they can be traded.
What Are Options?
Options are contracts that let you buy or sell an asset, like Ether, at a certain price. You’ve got two types: “call” options if you want to buy, and “put” options if you want to sell. It’s a way to lock in a price and avoid getting caught by big price swings.
In the U.S., if one party can’t keep their end of the deal, the OCC steps in to handle things. Having crypto options listed on regulated exchanges is a huge deal. It’s a big leap forward for crypto markets. According to Jeff Park from Bitwise Invest, it’s a “monumental advancement” that opens up exciting opportunities for investors.
Why Investors Care About Options
Options aren’t just for big-time traders. Financial advisers also use options as a way to manage risk. Some rely on them to protect their clients from big market swings. If Ether ETF options get the green light, it could open up new strategies for them.
What’s Next?
Right now, all eyes are on the SEC. Their decision is postponed until December 3. Will they approve the Ether ETF options, or will we see another delay? Investors are anxiously waiting to see what happens next.