Feds Update Trading Rules for Bitcoin ETF Options – Crypto Goes Bureaucratic
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
BOX Exchange wants to update its rules for special options tied to popular Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and trusts. These changes affect traders using FLEX equity options and position limits, aiming to keep things fair and clear. The new rules could impact how much traders can hold and trade, with the proposal open for public comments starting April 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Removal of 25,000 Contract Limit
BOX proposes to remove the 25,000 contract position and exercise limit that was applied in IM-3120-2 for the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, the ARK21Shares Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, the Fidelity Ethereum Fund, the Bitwise Ethereum ETF, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust, and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust. That special 25,000-contract restriction would be eliminated so these listed Crypto Assets are no longer subject to that specific 25,000 contract cap.
Allow FLEX Trading for Several Crypto ETFs
BOX proposes to permit FLEX Equity Options to trade on the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, the ARK21Shares Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, the Fidelity Ethereum Fund, the Bitwise Ethereum ETF, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust, and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust. The Exchange would remove rule text that currently prohibits FLEX Equity Option classes on these named Crypto Assets.
Stop Aggregating FLEX With Non‑FLEX for Bitcoin ETFs
For the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), and the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), BOX proposes that FLEX Equity Options would no longer be aggregated with positions in the same non‑FLEX underlying ETF when calculating position limits in Rule 3120 and exercise limits in Rule 3140. The Exchange also states FLEX Equity Options that are physically settled would not be subject to position limits like other option classes.
Crypto Options Treated Like Other Options
The filing states that all listed Crypto Assets (the named Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF/trust shares) qualify under BOX Rule 5020(h) and, like other options listed under that rule, would be subject to the position limits in Rule 3120 and the exercise limits in Rule 3140. The Exchange says Crypto Assets that meet Rule 5020(h) should be treated the same as other options for these limits and for FLEX trading treatment.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous: 2026-06468 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq Texas, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Amend the Exchange's Anti-Internalization Functionality in Equity 4, Rule 4757, and To Extend the Implementation Date of the CORE FIX Order Entry Protocol
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Next: 2026-06470 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Remove Obsolete Rule Text in Nasdaq Equities 6
Nasdaq is cleaning house by removing old, outdated rules about products they stopped using in 2021. This change affects traders and firms using Nasdaq’s systems but won’t cost anyone extra or change how things work now. The update is effective immediately, making Nasdaq’s rulebook fresher and easier to understand!
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