IEX has firmed up the date for its new options exchange, IEX Options, set to be launched by Q2 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Ivan Brown
The exchange operator said the new venue will align with the needs of options industry participants and tackle risk management challenges in the market.
The firm announced the launch of the US options exchange in September 2024, and efforts have already been made to expand IEX’s options team, file the proposed rule book with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and maintain engagement with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders.
Read more – IEX Group to launch its first options exchange
Ivan Brown, who leads business and product development for IEX Options said: “The options market continues to grow rapidly, driving demand for innovative solutions that help participants quote confidently, manage risk and deploy capital effectively, and expand their competitive toolkit.
“We’re encouraged by the strong and ongoing engagement with our clients, who recognise the utility of a differentiated exchange model that helps provide new solutions for a fast-growing and robust market.”
The exchange will be an electronic venue, providing access to the entire multi-listed options market while relying on a pro-rata model.
IEX has said that the launch will tackle challenges facing the options market, specifically adverse selection, by leveraging the firm’s previous experience in building equities solutions for performance and protection.
Following the announcement of the launch last year, the firm also stated that minimal effort will be required to onboard current members of its equities exchange onto the new venue.
John Palmer, head of options at IEX said: “We’ve taken the time to build a market architecture designed to enhance market participants’ ability to manage risk, with the goal of driving more liquidity and better prices for the market at large. The positive response from our clients reinforces our confidence in the value IEX Options will bring to the market.”