The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on the BlackRock subsidiary iShares Ethereum ETF Options. The new date for the decision is now set for April 9, 2025. This delay has left the industry speculating about the underlying reasons, whether they pertain to a careful review of the proposal or other procedural considerations.

The SEC’s statement emphasized the need for a longer review period, noting that the extension allows sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the related issues. Analysts suggest that the SEC might still be evaluating the potential impact of Ethereum ETF Options on the broader market.

Meanwhile, the SEC has opened a public comment period for a similar Ethereum ETF proposal filed by the Cboe BZX exchange, a subsidiary of Fidelity. This public comment phase will last for 21 days and invites feedback from industry stakeholders, traders, and others, contributing to the final decision-making process.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas weighed in on the delay, hinting that eventual approval for the BlackRock Ethereum ETF is likely. However, he pointed out that the decision may hinge on pending confirmations from key figures, including Paul Atkins.

This delay comes in stark contrast to the SEC’s actions on other filings. In May last year, the SEC approved BlackRock’s spot Ethereum ETF alongside other proposals. However, the addition of Ethereum ETF Options through a rule change proposed by Nasdaq has added layers of complexity.

As global organizations continue to file crypto ETFs, the regulatory body faces increasing pressure to balance market innovation with investor protection. iShares, a BlackRock subsidiary known for its ETF offerings, remains at the center of this regulatory scrutiny. The industry awaits further developments, anticipating whether the SEC will align its stance on Ethereum ETF Options with its earlier approvals.