Nasdaq Bitcoin Options Launch: Trade Crypto Without the Coins
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Notice
Summary
Nasdaq PHLX wants to start trading options based on the Nasdaq Bitcoin Index, which tracks Bitcoin’s price in real time. These options will be cash-settled and follow European-style rules, meaning they can only be exercised at expiration. This new product could open fresh ways for investors to bet on Bitcoin’s price, with the SEC now asking for public feedback before it goes live.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Bitcoin Index Options Listed
Nasdaq PHLX proposes to list a new option product with ticker XBTX called Nasdaq Bitcoin Index Options. These options are cash-settled, European-style (can only be exercised at expiration), and are based on the CME CF Bitcoin Real Time Index (BRTI).
Position Limits and Large-Position Reporting
Position limits for Nasdaq Bitcoin Index Options would be 250,000 contracts on the same side of the market, with no more than 150,000 near-term contracts. Any member or member organization holding more than 100,000 contracts on the same side must file a report with the Exchange (market makers are exempt).
Final Settlement Uses BRRNY--NOS
The final settlement value for these options will be the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate—New York Variant (BRRNY) on the option expiration date (usually a Friday). BRRNY will be divided by 100 to create the published settlement value BRRNY--NOS used for cash settlement.
Trading Hours for Bitcoin Options
Nasdaq Bitcoin Index Options would trade on the Exchange from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, except on the last trading day when trading ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. These hours match other index options on Phlx.
Pricing Increments and Strike Intervals
Nasdaq Bitcoin Index Options would be quoted and traded in U.S. dollars with a minimum price increment of $0.01 for all series. Strike price intervals of no less than $2.50 are generally permitted when the strike price is less than $200.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17183, Regulation Crypto Assets
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing new rules to create a tailored offering regime for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The proposed offering regime is intended to facilitate capital formation and accommodate innovation within the crypto asset markets while, at the same time, ensuring that investors are adequately protected and provided with the information they need to make informed investment decisions. The proposed rules would be set forth in a new regulation titled "Regulation Crypto Assets" and would include two exemptions from the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933. The first exemption would permit offerings of up to $5 million during a four-year period. The second exemption would permit offerings of up to $75 million during each 12-month period. Under both exemptions, issuers would be required to make certain principles-based narrative disclosures available to their investors. In addition, issuers under the second exemption would be required to provide financial statements and would be subject to ongoing reporting requirements. Issuers that rely on these exemptions would remain subject to the antifraud and antimanipulation provisions of the Federal securities laws. The proposed rules also would include a conditional safe harbor from the term "investment contract" in the definitions of "security" in the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If the conditions of that proposed safe harbor are satisfied, then a crypto asset would be deemed not to be subject to an investment contract for purposes of those definitions of "security."
2026-12163, The Trade-Through Rule and Locked and Crossed Markets Provisions of Regulation NMS
The SEC wants to scrap some old rules that stop stocks from being traded at worse prices and prevent confusing market quotes. This change affects stock traders and exchanges, aiming to simplify trading and possibly speed things up. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 17, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-10373, Registered Offering Reform
The SEC wants to make it easier and cheaper for more companies to sell their stocks and bonds to the public. They’re opening up special forms and benefits to more businesses, updating rules to be more modern, and cutting red tape by overriding some state rules. If you’re a company planning to raise money, these changes could speed things up and save you money, with feedback due by July 27, 2026.
2026-10222, Enhancement of Emerging Growth Company Accommodations and Simplification of Filer Status for Reporting Companies
The SEC is making it easier for companies that report their finances by simplifying their categories into just two groups: big and small filers. Smaller companies, including emerging growth ones, will get more time to file reports and enjoy simpler rules, while big companies keep stricter standards. These changes aim to save time and money, with feedback open until July 20, 2026.
2026-07651, Concept Release on Consolidated Audit Trail and Other Audit Trails and Data Sources
The SEC wants your thoughts on how it tracks stock market trades using the Consolidated Audit Trail and other data tools. They’re thinking about updating rules to keep up with new tech, privacy, and security needs, and to make sure the system is fair and cost-effective. If you’re involved in the stock market or data tracking, speak up by June 22, 2026!
2026-17058, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Exchange's Connectivity Schedule and Discontinue a Previously Proposed Offering
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02940, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List and Trade Options on the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF, the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF, and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF
Cboe Exchange is gearing up to let traders buy and sell options on three new Ethereum-related ETFs: the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF, the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF, and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF. This change means more ways for investors to play in the crypto market starting soon, with potential new money moves and trading opportunities. The SEC is reviewing the plan and inviting public feedback before it goes live.
Next: 2025-02942, Self-Regulatory Organizations; the Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Withdrawal of a Proposed Rule Change To Update the Options Clearing Corporation's Schedule of Fees
The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) decided to pull back its plan to raise fees for clearing options contracts and remove a big flat fee for large trades. This means traders and firms won’t see any fee changes for now, keeping costs steady. The withdrawal happened in February 2025 after some feedback from the public.