Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Joins Tech Titans: Nasdaq's Expanded Limits Signal Mainstream Status

Nasdaq has proposed raising position limits for options on BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) from 250,000 to 1 million contracts, signaling a pivotal step in Bitcoin's institutional adoption. The move, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aims to address surging demand for Bitcoin derivatives and align IBIT with top-tier ETFs like iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM) and SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) according to reports. The International Securities Exchange (ISE), Nasdaq's derivatives arm, argues that the current cap restricts hedging and income strategies for institutional investors, while expanded limits could enhance liquidity and tighten spreads according to analysis.

The proposal follows a similar increase in January 2025, when Nasdaq raised the limit from 25,000 to 250,000 contracts to match IBIT's growing trading volume according to market reports. Vincent Liu of Kronos Research noted that such adjustments are routine for assets demonstrating robust volume, and approval would likely deepen order books and improve market efficiency according to analysis. BlackRock's IBIT, now the largest Bitcoin options market by open interest, has already surpassed Deribit in this metric according to data. Analysts highlight that even a 1 million contract limit would represent just 0.284% of Bitcoin's total supply, minimizing market disruption risks according to data.

Nasdaq's proposal also seeks to remove position limits for physically settled FLEX options on IBIT, aligning them with commodity ETFs like GLD. These customizable contracts are critical for large funds seeking tailored hedging strategies according to industry analysis. The SEC is currently soliciting public comments on the rule change, with experts anticipating swift approval given the market's readiness according to market reports.

The implications extend beyond liquidity. As Bitcoin derivatives mature, they enable sophisticated strategies such as income generation and risk management, attracting hedge funds and institutional capital. Jeff Park of Bitwise Asset Management emphasized that the 250,000-contract cap was "too low" for current demand, while Bloomberg's Eric Balchunas noted BlackRock's leadership in normalizing Bitcoin ETFs according to market analysis.

Bitcoin's price action, though volatile, reflects this institutional embrace. After a 36% correction from its $126,199 peak in October 2025, the cryptocurrency reclaimed $90,000 in early November, supported by ETF inflows and improved market depth according to market data. Meanwhile, stablecoin dynamics, such as the negative correlation between Bitcoin and USDT activity, further illustrate the maturation of crypto markets according to research.

The Nasdaq-BlackRock collaboration highlights a broader trend: traditional finance's integration of digital assets. As exchanges like Bitget partner with liquidity providers like Ampersan to enhance institutional access according to industry reports, the barriers between crypto and traditional markets continue to erode. With Bitcoin's derivatives infrastructure now rivaling that of gold and equities, the stage is set for deeper institutional participation-a shift that could redefine global capital markets.