Cboe Seeks SEC Approval to List Options on Ethereum ETFs Amid Rising Investor Demand

• Cboe has officially filed to introduce options trading for Ethereum ETFs, aiming to boost investor access to the volatile crypto market pending SEC approval.

• With significant increases in demand for Ethereum ETFs, this move reflects a broader trend of growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency investment vehicles.

• “The Exchange believes that offering options on Ethereum Funds will benefit investors by providing them with an additional, relatively lower-cost investing tool,” stated Cboe in their filing.

Explore Cboe’s new initiative to launch options for Ethereum ETFs, reflecting rising investor interest and regulatory compliance in the crypto market.

Cboe Targets Ethereum ETF Options Trading in SEC Filing

In its latest strategic move, Cboe BZX Exchange has submitted a critical amendment to Rule 19.3, specifically aimed at listing and trading options on Ethereum ETFs. This proposed enhancement encompasses well-known funds such as the Bitwise Ethereum ETF and the Grayscale Ethereum Trust, alongside any other trusts holding Ethereum. The Cboe aims to offer these options through the same mechanisms that govern traditional fund share options on its trading platform.

“The Exchange believes that offering options on Ethereum Funds will benefit investors by providing them with an additional, relatively lower-cost investing tool to gain exposure to the price of Ethereum and a hedging vehicle to meet their investment needs in connection with Ethereum-related products and positions,” the filing highlighted.

Interestingly, this filing comes shortly after a comparable submission by NYSE American, indicating a competitive landscape in the realm of cryptocurrency trading. However, regulatory scrutiny has led the SEC to delay its decision on the NYSE’s proposal twice, raising questions about the approval timeline for Cboe’s plan.

The SEC has previously cited concerns surrounding market manipulation, investor protection, and the integrity of the trading system, points which fall under Section 6(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Consequently, the outcome of Cboe’s application remains uncertain amid these regulatory hurdles.

If the SEC grants approval, trading of Ethereum ETF options will adhere to established guidelines mirroring those applied to options for Bitcoin ETFs and other commodity-backed funds already existing under Rule 19.3(i).

Market Trends and Investor Sentiment Surrounding Ethereum ETFs

The market for Ethereum ETFs has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with significant investor interest translating to record inflows. Notably, on February 4, Ethereum ETFs witnessed an impressive influx of $307.77 million in a single day, marking the highest daily net inflow in 2025. This surge follows a consistent trend of strong net inflows, bringing the total inflow figure to an impressive $3.17 billion.

As observed by Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, historical data suggests that the timeline for approval of options on Ethereum ETFs may closely mirror that of Bitcoin ETFs, where it took approximately 8-9 months post-launch for options trading to commence. “Will enter that window for spot ETH ETFs next month,” he noted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), aligning expectations for Ethereum ETF options with past regulatory patterns.

Caption: Ethereum ETF Performance. Source: SoSo Value

This robust demand for Ethereum ETFs has also been reflected in the total trading volume, reaching a remarkable $1.5 billion recently. As of February 5, Ethereum ETFs reported additional daily net inflows of $18.11 million, further solidifying their status within the broader investment framework and enhancing their appeal among institutional and retail investors alike.

Conclusion

The landscape for Ethereum ETFs is rapidly evolving, with Cboe’s recent filing paving the way for potential options trading that could open up new avenues for investors. Should regulatory hurdles be cleared in a timely fashion, the introduction of options could provide valuable tools for both hedging and enhancing exposure to Ethereum’s price movements. Such developments underscore the importance of regulatory navigation in the cryptocurrency investing domain, shaping the choices available to investors in an increasingly competitive environment.