Nasdaq is preparing to list options on BlackRock's Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), potentially as soon as Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for Bitcoin financial products. This move will allow investors to hedge their bets or speculate on Bitcoin’s future price through derivatives tied to the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT).

Alison Hennessy, Nasdaq's head of ETP listings, confirmed the development during Bloomberg's ETF IQ program, stating, “Getting these options listed on IBIT into the market I think will be very exciting for investors because that’s really what we have heard from them.” BlackRock has reportedly been collaborating with regulators for over ten months to bring this product to market. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently issued a notice clearing the Options Clearing Corporation to oversee these trades, paving the way for the launch.

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, launched earlier this year, has already attracted nearly $30 billion in assets, becoming one of the most prominent Bitcoin-focused financial products. According to Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, the addition of options will significantly enhance trading possibilities. “Options allow you to express opinions on something with more specificity,” Balchunas noted, adding that this could drive higher volumes and greater interest in the ETF.

The announcement coincides with heightened market activity around Bitcoin. Over the weekend, Bitcoin experienced its largest two-day price drop since the U.S. presidential election, dipping almost 3% before stabilizing at $90,100.

Despite the dip, Bitcoin-focused ETFs continue to attract significant inflows. From November 8 to November 15, these funds recorded $4.7 billion in net inflows, highlighting sustained investor interest.

Bloomberg Article