SEC Eyes Bitcoin ETF That Pays Income—Crypto Goes Premium
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The SEC is deciding whether to approve Nasdaq’s plan to list and trade the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, a new fund tied to Bitcoin. This affects investors interested in Bitcoin-based products and could open up fresh ways to invest by the end of 2025. The SEC is taking extra time to review before making a final call, so stay tuned!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed iShares Bitcoin Income ETF Listing
The SEC is reviewing Nasdaq’s proposed listing to allow trading of the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, a new fund that would invest primarily in spot bitcoin and the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and seek income by writing (selling) call options on IBIT or indices that track spot bitcoin exchange-traded products. The Commission designated December 31, 2025 as the date by which it shall approve, disapprove, or institute proceedings on the proposal.
SEC Review Focuses on Investor Protections
The SEC has instituted proceedings to analyze whether listing the actively managed Trust that may write OTC options on IBIT or indices tracking spot bitcoin ETPs is consistent with the requirement to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and to protect investors. The Commission requests written comments by January 9, 2026 and rebuttals by January 23, 2026 on whether the proposal raises novel investor protection concerns under Section 6(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous: 2025-23334, Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust Shares To Trade Under NYSE Arca Rule 8.201-E (Generic) Commodity-Based Trust Shares
NYSE Arca is switching how the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust shares are traded, moving them from a special rule to a more general one. This change affects investors who buy or sell these Bitcoin trust shares and aims to simplify trading without impacting costs or timing. The update took effect right after filing on December 3, 2025, so the market can roll with the new setup immediately.
Next: 2025-23336, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Introduce a Historical Trade-by-Trade Report
Cboe Exchange is rolling out a new Historical Trade-by-Trade Report that gives detailed info on every options trade. Both Cboe Trading Permit Holders and others can buy this report starting now, helping traders get clearer insights. This change kicks in immediately with no extra fees announced yet, making market data smarter and more accessible.