SEC Pushes Back Decision on Nasdaq's Bitcoin Options Trading
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
Nasdaq PHLX wants to start trading options based on the Nasdaq Bitcoin Index, but the SEC needs more time to decide if it’s a good idea. This delay affects investors and traders waiting to buy or sell these new Bitcoin options, pushing the decision deadline back by up to 60 days. No money changes hands yet, but the outcome could open new ways to trade Bitcoin on the exchange.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible New Bitcoin Options Listing
If the SEC approves the proposal (File No. SR-PHLX-2025-50), Nasdaq PHLX would be allowed to list and trade options based on the Nasdaq Bitcoin Index, creating a new way for investors to trade Bitcoin-related exposure on an exchange. The proposal was filed on September 23, 2025 and remains under SEC review with a decision due by May 27, 2026.
SEC Extends Decision Deadline
The SEC pushed the decision on Nasdaq PHLX’s proposal to list Nasdaq Bitcoin Index options back by up to 60 days, setting a new action date of May 27, 2026. The original 180-day review period from the September 29, 2025 Federal Register notice would have ended on March 28, 2026, so the ruling is delayed for investors and traders waiting to buy or sell these options.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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!
2026-10241 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the DTC Operational Arrangements (Necessary for Securities to Become and Remain Eligible for DTC Services)
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) is updating its rules to make it easier and clearer for agents handling corporate offers like tenders and subscriptions through its automated systems. This change affects companies and agents using DTC services to process these offers and starts right away with no extra costs. It’s all about smoother, faster, and more reliable processing for everyone involved!
2026-10244 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Exchange's Fee Schedule Applicable to Members Concerning Equities Transaction Pricing
Investors Exchange (IEX) is updating its fee schedule starting June 1, 2026. Members who trade stocks will see changes in how they qualify for rebates and fee discounts based on their trading volume. These tweaks aim to make fees fairer and encourage more trading activity on the exchange.
2026-10245 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 3120 To Increase the Position and Exercise Limits for Options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF
BOX Exchange is raising the limits on how many options traders can hold and exercise for the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. This change lets bigger players trade more freely and takes effect immediately, matching similar moves by other exchanges. If you trade these options, get ready for bigger opportunities starting now!
2026-10129 — The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Goldman Sachs is asking the SEC for special permission to create investment funds just for its employees, letting them skip some usual rules. This change mainly affects Goldman Sachs workers and could speed up how these funds work without changing important protections. If no one objects by June 12, 2026, the SEC will approve this request.
2026-10168 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 17a-2
The SEC is asking to keep the rules that require underwriters to keep records about certain stock market activities for three years. About 647 companies spend around 3,235 hours and $530,000 yearly to follow these rules. This extension keeps things running smoothly without adding new costs or changes.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05758 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Establish Implementation Timeframe for Enhancement of Correlation Calculation for Bond Haircut Models
The Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) is delaying the rollout of new math rules that help calculate bond risk, giving everyone more time to get ready. This change affects banks and traders who use these bond risk models and won’t impact costs right now. The new schedule aims to make sure the updates happen smoothly and safely.
Next: 2026-05760 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq GEMX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Minimum Increments
Nasdaq GEMX is updating the rules for how small option price changes can be, specifically for the Nasdaq-100 Micro Index options (XND). This change makes trading clearer and more consistent, starting immediately with no extra costs for traders. If you trade these options, expect smoother price steps that help keep the market fair and easy to follow.