Cboe Unleashes Custom Bitcoin ETF Options for Flexible Trading
Published Date: 8/20/2025
Notice
Summary
Cboe Exchange just made it easier and more flexible to trade options on popular Bitcoin funds like iShares Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. Starting now, investors can customize their trades with these FLEX options, giving them more control and new ways to invest. This change kicks in immediately and could open up fresh opportunities for anyone trading Bitcoin-related options.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FLEX Options Now Allowed on Four Bitcoin Funds
If you trade options, Cboe now permits Flexible Exchange (FLEX) Equity Options on four Bitcoin exchange-traded funds/trusts: iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), and Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB). FLEX options let traders customize contract terms for exchange-listed equity options and are now available on these four Funds as of the Exchange filing (filed August 7, 2025).
25,000-Contract Aggregated Limit Remains
Cboe will aggregate any FLEX and non-FLEX option positions in the same Fund and apply a 25,000-contract position and exercise limit per Fund. If all options were exercised, that 25,000-contract cap corresponds to up to 2,500,000 shares in a Fund.
Exchange Trading Reduces OTC Counterparty Risk
The Exchange states that FLEX Fund Options traded on-exchange should mitigate counterparty credit risk compared with over-the-counter (OTC) contracts because the contracts are issued and guaranteed by The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) and exchange trading provides greater price discovery and transparency.
Rule Change Operative Immediately Upon Filing
The Commission waived the normal 30-day operative delay and designated Cboe's proposed rule change as operative upon filing; the Exchange filed the proposed change on August 7, 2025, so FLEX trading on these Funds became effective upon that filing.
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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!
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2026-10222, Enhancement of Emerging Growth Company Accommodations and Simplification of Filer Status for Reporting Companies
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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!
2026-05635, Application of the Federal Securities Laws to Certain Types of Crypto Assets and Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15833, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq PHLX LLC; Notice of Designation of Longer Period for Commission Action on Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove Proposed Rule Change To List and Trade Nasdaq Bitcoin Index Options
The SEC is taking extra time to decide if Nasdaq PHLX can list and trade new Bitcoin index options. This affects investors and traders interested in Bitcoin-based products, as the decision could open up fresh ways to invest or trade. The SEC’s deadline to approve or reject this change has been extended, so everyone’s waiting a bit longer before these options hit the market.
Next: 2025-15835, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 21.15(b) (Exchange Data Products) To Adopt a New Market Data Report
Cboe EDGX Exchange is adding a new market data report to its existing data products, helping traders get better and faster info. This change affects anyone using Cboe’s data services and kicks in right away with no extra fees. It’s a smooth upgrade designed to keep market data fresh and useful.