SEC Extends Review Period for Bitcoin Trust Options Trading Proposals

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced an extension for its decision on proposed rule changes from various self-regulatory organizations regarding the listing and trading of options on trusts holding bitcoin. The organizations involved include Box Exchange LLC, Cboe Exchange Inc., Miax International Securities Exchange LLC, Miax Pearl LLC, Nasdaq ISE LLC, and NYSE American LLC. These proposals aim to allow options trading on shares representing interests in bitcoin trusts, such as the Ishares Bitcoin Trust and the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF. Initially published for public comment between Jan. 25 and March 25, the proposals received multiple comments, prompting the SEC to extend its review period. The extended deadlines for approval or disapproval are set between Sept. 21 and Nov. 20, 2024, depending on the specific proposal.