Bitcoin Options Introduction Subdued in Wake of Futures Letdown

Bitcoin advocates are taking a more measured approach over the introduction of options for the world’s largest cryptocurrency after the wild ride they took with futures.

While the contracts that provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified amount of coins within a set time period have been available on some online exchanges, they’re heading for the mainstream, just as futures did during the height of the crypto mania in 2017.

A consortium known as Bakkt, which includes the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, began offering options earlier this month. CME Group ...