SEC Delays Ethereum Options Ruling Until 2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended its review period for a decision on whether to allow options trading on BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust. The agency announced that it will determine by April 9, 2025, whether to approve or deny the proposal, providing additional time to evaluate the rule change requested by Nasdaq on behalf of BlackRock.

The SEC stated in a filing that extending the review period was necessary to properly assess the proposal and related issues. The agency wrote, "The Commission finds it appropriate to designate a longer period within which to issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein."

BlackRock's spot Ethereum ETF was among nine Ethereum exchange-traded funds approved in May 2024. Following the approval, Nasdaq filed a request in August 2024 seeking permission to list and trade options on the iShares Ethereum Trust. The proposal is now under extended review.