Product Launch and Underlying Selection
Crypto exchange Bitget has officially launched U.S. stock options trading, initially offering over 540 popular underlying assets. These include core indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones 30, as well as corresponding ETFs. The platform has stated it will gradually expand coverage to the full universe of U.S. stocks and ETFs, enabling users to achieve greater cross-asset allocation.
Trading Rules and Settlement Mechanism
The options trading adopts a T+1 settlement cycle, consistent with the U.S. cash equity market. Trading hours are set from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET. Only cash transactions are supported (no margin borrowing), with a uniform margin requirement of 100% for both Long Call and Long Put positions. This design eliminates levered exposure and the risk of forced liquidations, though it also ties up more capital upfront.
User Tools and Platform Experience
To assist decision-making, the system provides real-time profit/loss estimation before order placement. Order modification, cancellation, and historical record queries are available seamlessly, enhancing transparency and execution efficiency. Users must update the Bitget App to version 2.87.0 to access this feature.
Industry Implications and Outlook
By adding U.S. stock options, Bitget—a major crypto exchange—demonstrates deepening convergence between CeFi (centralized finance) and traditional finance (TradFi). This not only expands crypto users' investment horizons but also attracts traditional investors to explore crypto-native platforms. As regulatory frameworks evolve, such cross-asset derivatives could become a new battleground for exchanges. However, compliance and liquidity remain key challenges; the pace of full U.S. stock and ETF coverage deserves close attention.