YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on Ethereum ETF options approval until April 9, 2025. The regulator stated that more time is needed for further review and public feedback before making a decision.
This is the third delay, following previous SEC decisions in September and November 2024. The SEC review period has now been extended by 60 days, allowing a 21-day public comment window.
SEC Cites Ongoing Review as Reason for Delay
On Feb. 7, 2025, the SEC released a statement explaining the extension:
“The Commission is extending the time period for approving or disapproving the proposed rule change for an additional 60 days. 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.”
This SEC delay affects multiple firms, including BlackRock, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Ethereum Mini Trust. The Ethereum ETF options approval will determine whether these firms can trade Ethereum ETF options alongside their existing Ethereum spot ETFs.
SEC Reviews Cboe BZX and Fidelity Ethereum ETF Proposal
The SEC review also includes a proposal submitted by Cboe BZX Exchange Inc. on behalf of Fidelity. This proposal seeks approval to list and trade Ethereum ETF options linked to Fidelity’s spot Ethereum ETF.
Options contracts allow traders to buy or sell assets at a set price within a specific period. These financial instruments are widely used in Ethereum investment for risk management and hedging strategies. If approved, Ethereum ETF options would follow a regulatory framework similar to Bitcoin ETF options.
SEC Leadership Changes and Ethereum ETF Options Review
Analysts have noted that SEC leadership changes could impact the Ethereum ETF approval timeline. Paul Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner, has been nominated by Donald Trump to replace Gary Gensler and is awaiting Senate confirmation.
Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg, commented on the situation:
“SEC punting on spot Ether ETF options. I wouldn’t read too much into it, can’t imagine they don’t get approved eventually, likely waiting until Atkins is confirmed before moving on stuff.”
Ethereum Spot ETFs Continue to See Strong Inflows
Despite regulatory uncertainty, Ethereum investment remains strong. Data from SoSoValue shows five consecutive days of net inflows, with total investments in Ethereum spot ETFs surpassing $3 billion.
The Ethereum ETF market continues to attract institutional investors, while regulatory decisions on Ethereum ETF options remain pending.
