SEC Approves Bigger Bets on Bitcoin Options via IBIT Trust
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
Nasdaq ISE just got the green light to raise the limits on how many iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) options traders can hold and exercise. This change affects anyone trading IBIT options, letting them handle bigger positions starting soon, which could mean more trading power and potential profits. The new rules kick in after April 2026, making the IBIT options market more flexible and exciting!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
IBIT Options Limits Raised Fourfold
The SEC approved increasing position and exercise limits for options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) from 250,000 contracts to 1,000,000 contracts on the same side of the market. The approval is in an order dated April 27, 2026 and applies to standardized IBIT options trading under ISE Options 9, Sections 13 and 15.
Proposed FLEX IBIT Changes Withdrawn
Amendment No. 5, filed February 20, 2026, removed the Exchange's previously proposed changes to the position and exercise limits for Flexible Exchange (FLEX) IBIT options. As a result, the approved rule change does not implement the earlier proposed amendments affecting FLEX IBIT 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, because changes could affect how audits are done and funded.
2026-09742 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Fees Schedule To Adopt a New Fee Code for Market-Maker Complex Orders Executed on the Complex Order Book That Add Liquidity in Penny Program Securities and To Amend Its Orders Submitted With a Designated Give Up Program
Starting May 1, 2026, Cboe BZX Exchange is updating its fees to add a new code for Market-Maker Complex orders that add liquidity in penny stocks. They’re also tweaking rules for orders using a special Give Up program. These changes mainly affect market makers and traders using complex orders, aiming to make fees clearer and trading smoother.
2026-09745 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; MEMX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Establish Fees for Industry Members Related to Reasonably Budgeted CAT Costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail for May 1, 2026 Through December 31, 2026
Starting May 1, 2026, MEMX is charging industry members a tiny fee of $0.000001 per share to help cover the costs of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) system through the end of the year. This fee supports tracking stock trades better and will show up on invoices starting June 2026. If you’re a broker or part of the trading world, get ready to chip in for smoother market oversight!
2026-09728 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; MEMX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Establish Fees for Industry Members Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National Market System Plan Concerning the Consolidated Audit Trail
MEMX is setting new fees for industry members to cover leftover historical costs from the National Market System’s Consolidated Audit Trail, which tracks stock trades. These fees, called Historical CAT Assessment 1A, will collect about $39 million that wasn’t billed before. The change is effective immediately, so affected members should get ready to pay soon!
2026-09736 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Establish Fees Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail
Nasdaq PHLX is setting new fees for industry members to cover leftover historical costs from the National Market System Plan for the Consolidated Audit Trail. These fees, called Historical CAT Assessment 1A, will collect about $39 million for costs before 2022 that weren’t billed before. The fees start right away and will be charged per share traded, helping keep the audit trail running smoothly.
2026-09734 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq Texas, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Establish Fees Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail
Nasdaq Texas is setting new fees to cover leftover historical costs from the National Market System Plan for the Consolidated Audit Trail. Industry members who trade on the exchange will pay these fees starting soon to help cover about $39 million in past expenses not yet billed. This update keeps the system fair and funded without surprises!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08366 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Opening Auction Process Provided Under Rule 11.23(b)(2)(B) to Delay the Opening Auction Under Certain Market Conditions
The Cboe BZX Exchange wants to change how it starts trading each day by delaying the Opening Auction when the market is acting wild or uncertain. This affects traders and investors who use BZX, aiming to make opening prices fairer and more stable. The SEC is now deciding if this change is a good idea, with a decision expected soon—no extra costs or delays for users yet.
Next: 2026-08368 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 8.201-E (Generic) To Modify the Generic Listing Standards for Commodity-Based Trust Shares
NYSE Arca wants to update the rules for listing Commodity-Based Trust Shares to make sure at least 85% of their value comes from approved assets. They’re also clarifying what counts as a 'commodity' under these rules. This change affects investors and issuers and aims to keep things clear and fair, with the new rules kicking in after SEC approval.