BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Options Have Arrived
Nasdaq has listed IBIT options the day after an update clearing the way for these derivatives was issued by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC).
What’s the scoop?
- Launch Day: BlackRock’s iShares spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) options are now live on Nasdaq. For a "day one" release, the trading action has facilitated impressive volume so far.
- Enabling New Investor Tools: This launch provides tools for more than just holding Bitcoin—mainstream U.S. investors can now hedge positions or leverage exposure, paving the way for a derivatives market that may eventually become larger than the Bitcoin market cap itself.
A few hundred million so far in options volume on $IBIT (a ton for Day One).. here's a rank of the contracts by volume, it's almost all calls. Seems very bullish, esp the Dec20th C100, which is basically betting price of btc will double in the next month. pic.twitter.com/R6HB7OMUla
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 19, 2024
Bankless take:
First and foremost, the iShares Bitcoin ETF options launch on Nasdaq makes Bitcoin exposure more accessible to institutional investors. This release is a key step in integrating Bitcoin into traditional finance markets and signals growing confidence in Bitcoin's place in global capital markets. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the next Bitcoin ETF options to arrive.