IBIT Position Limits Stay Put as Nasdaq Levels Bitcoin ETF Playing Field

TLDR:

Table of Contents

Nasdaq filing raises limits for FBTC, ARKB, HODL to match IBIT’s existing 250k position threshold
IBIT maintains standard 250k limit under Option 9 rules, separate from January regulatory changes
BlackRock filed in November to increase IBIT limit to 1 million contracts, pending regulatory approval
Market analyst warns against AI-generated misinformation about crypto ETF regulatory developments

Rumors claiming Nasdaq eliminated position limits for iShares Bitcoin Trust options have been debunked by market analyst Jeff Park. The confusion stems from a January SEC filing that adjusted restrictions on several crypto ETFs.

Park clarified that the regulatory change does not grant unlimited leverage to Wall Street traders. Instead, the filing addresses position limits for other Bitcoin ETF products.

Regulatory Filing Targets Secondary Bitcoin ETFs

The SEC document in question raises position limits for FBTC, ARKB, HODL, and Ethereum ETFs from 25,000 to standard thresholds. IBIT already operates under the 250,000 position limit established in Nasdaq’s Option 9 rules.

BlackRock’s IBIT and Bitwise’s BITB have maintained this higher limit since their options launched. The January filing aims to level competitive conditions across Bitcoin ETF issuers.

Park highlighted that the regulatory change removes previous restrictions that penalized crypto assets with non-standard limits. The filing explicitly references exchange requirements preventing unfair discrimination between customers and issuers.

This adjustment brings smaller Bitcoin ETF products in line with established position limit frameworks. Market participants can verify current limits through the Options Clearing Corporation database.

some misinformation that is going around that i wanted to address quickly-

there's been a rumor that Nasdaq has removed the option position limit for IBIT and therefore gives wall street unlimited leverage, and that the timing of this change is suspect because it was in january,… pic.twitter.com/osFPXPXaeA

— Jeff Park (@dgt10011) February 7, 2026

IBIT Seeks Higher Position Limit Through Separate Process

A November 2024 filing reveals BlackRock’s attempt to increase IBIT’s position limit from 250,000 to one million contracts. This request remains pending with federal regulators as of February 2026.

The proposed expansion would represent a fourfold increase in maximum allowable positions. Park emphasized this separate filing as the actual development worth monitoring for potential leverage changes.

The analyst cautioned against relying solely on AI chatbots for verifying market information. He noted instances where automated tools provided incorrect statements about the regulatory changes.

Independent verification through official sources like the OCC database provides accurate position limit data. Park encouraged market participants to maintain due diligence when evaluating claims about regulatory developments.

The confusion highlights ongoing scrutiny of Bitcoin ETF derivatives markets. Position limits serve as risk management tools preventing excessive concentration in options contracts.

Regulatory adjustments to these limits reflect evolving approaches to crypto asset integration in traditional finance. The standardization process continues as more Bitcoin ETF products enter the derivatives market.

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