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 self-certified the contract 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 to boost trading of its monthly contract, 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