A recent regulatory development worth noting has emerged. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) publicly initiated a review process on December 31st to evaluate a rule amendment submitted by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (Cboe). The core focus of this review is the adjustment of the minimum price increment for Bitcoin mini ETF options contracts.

Specifically, this amendment pertains to the Cboe Mini Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index options product. According to the proposal, contracts with a trading price below $3 will have a minimum price increment set at $0.01; while those priced at $3 and above will have a minimum increment of $0.05. This tiered structure is designed to provide more precise quoting granularity for lower-priced contracts to meet market liquidity needs.

During the review process, the SEC will primarily assess whether this amendment effectively prevents market manipulation, ensures fair trading, and genuinely protects investors' rights. This means the proposal must meet the relevant standards of the Securities Exchange Act. Notably, the public can submit feedback until January 21, 2026, providing an opportunity for market participants, industry experts, and ordinary investors to express their views.

From the development of the Bitcoin options market, finer adjustments to quote units often impact trading costs and market depth. If ultimately approved, this rule could further boost the market activity of this product.