Nasdaq Delays Fee Shake-Up, Gives Traders a Breather Until 2026
Published Date: 1/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Nasdaq MRX is shaking things up by delaying a new fee plan for options trading until July 1, 2026, giving traders more time to adjust. Meanwhile, starting January 2, 2026, they’re lowering the current options regulatory fee from $0.0010 to $0.0007 per contract side, saving money for everyone who trades options on their exchange. This change keeps things fair and friendly for traders while the new plan gets a little extra runway.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
ORF Cut to $0.0007 Per Contract
If you trade options on Nasdaq MRX, the Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) is lowered from $0.0010 to $0.0007 per contract side effective January 2, 2026. That reduces the fee you pay on each contract trade by $0.0003 starting on that date.
New ORF Methodology Delayed to July 1, 2026
Nasdaq MRX delayed the implementation of its new ORF and collection methodology from January 2, 2026 to July 1, 2026. This gives market participants and clearing members additional time to design, test, and implement the required changes before the new model starts on July 1, 2026.
Sunset Removal Prevents Reversion to $0.0004
The Exchange removed the February 1, 2026 sunset that would have allowed reverting to the prior ORF rate of $0.0004 per contract side. That means the prior $0.0004 rate will not automatically return on February 1, 2026.
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