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.
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