Bakkt to Launch Options on Its Bitcoin Futures Dec. 9

The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is launching bitcoin options contracts through its subsidiary Bakkt.

Bakkt

announced Thursday that it would "launch the first regulated options contract for bitcoin futures," adding a new product to its current slate of physically-settled bitcoin futures contracts. CEO Kelly Loeffler said in a Medium post that the contracts were built in response to customer feedback, and that ICE Futures US through the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

"We’re committed to bringing trust and utility to digital assets and the options contract is an example of the many products we’re developing for regulated markets," she wrote. "The Bakkt Bitcoin Options contract will be based on the benchmark Bakkt Monthly Bitcoin Futures contract and represents another important step in developing this asset class for institutional investors, their customers and investors."

Notably, customers will have the choice of options contracts settled with cash, meaning customers receive the fiat equivalent to the contract’s value at expiration, or physically, meaning they receive the actual bitcoin.

When Bakkt launched its bitcoin futures contract a month ago, the company saw low trading volume. However, it appears to have picked up in recent days.

Bakkt volume chart by Galen Moore for CoinDesk

Loeffler added:

"We’ve been working closely with market participants to build liquidity, create market transparency and build open interest. Notably, we saw a record 590 contracts of Bakkt Bitcoin Monthly Futures change hands yesterday, October 23. We also completed a milestone with seamless physical deliveries in both our daily and monthly bitcoin futures contracts."

Bakkt is joining CME in launching options. The Chicago-based exchange announced it would launch bitcoin options on top of its futures contracts in the first quarter of 2020.

In addition to its options contracts, Bakkt is launching a market maker program , according to a letter addressed to the CFTC.

"The Exchange believes the new Program will incentivize additional liquidity and volume in the new Bakkt Bitcoin (USD) Monthly Futures Contract," the letter states.

Kelly Loeffler image via CoinDesk archives

DISCLOSURE

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.

Nikhilesh De

Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.