Ethereum ETFs Get Options Trading Boost from BOX Exchange Rules
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
BOX Exchange is updating its rules to let traders buy and sell options on three new Ethereum-based ETFs: Grayscale Ethereum Trust, Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust, and Bitwise Ethereum ETF. This change affects investors who want more ways to trade crypto-related funds and starts right away with no extra fees. It’s a fresh chance to dive into Ethereum options on a trusted platform!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
BOX Will List Options on Three Ether ETFs
BOX Exchange proposes to permit the listing and trading of options on three Ether-based ETFs: the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE), the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH), and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW). The Exchange filed the proposal on April 10, 2025, and the filing was submitted for immediate effectiveness.
25,000-Contract Position and Exercise Limits
The Exchange proposes a position limit and corresponding exercise limit of 25,000 same-side option contracts for options on each of the Ether Funds. Position and exercise limits of 25,000 are the lowest available equity option limits under the Exchange's rules.
Listed Options Offer Listed-Exchange Benefits vs. OTC
The Exchange states that listing these Ether Fund options on BOX provides investors advantages over OTC options, including enhanced efficiency for opening/closing positions, increased market transparency, price discovery on an exchange, and counterparty creditworthiness due to the OCC guarantee.
Ether Fund Options Are Not Eligible for FLEX
Options on the Ether Funds will trade like other ETF options on BOX, except the Ether Fund options will not be eligible for FLEX Equity Option trading under the Exchange's rules.
Options Will Be Physically Settled, American-Style
Options on the Ether Funds will be physically settled contracts with American-style exercise, meaning exercising option holders will receive the underlying fund shares if they exercise.
Standard Strike Intervals, Expirations, and Increments
The Exchange will list option series with standard strike price intervals (at least $1 when strike is $200 or less and $5 when over $200), may list weekly, monthly, or quarterly series, and may list LEAPS expiring 12 to 180 months from listing; minimum price increments will follow Rule 7050 (e.g., $0.05 below $3.00 and $0.10 at $3.00 or above, subject to penny interval program eligibility).
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Department and Agencies
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