The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved options trading on a spot ether (ETH) exchange-traded fund for the first time, greenlighting a proposal by Nasdaq ISE to list options on BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA).

Argentina’s Congress has voted to investigate the LIBRA token, a cryptocurrency promoted earlier this year by President Javier Milei, that led to a wave of investor losses that wiped out more than $250 million in investor wealth.

Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner with deep ties to the financial services industry, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, ushering in a new phase for crypto regulation in Washington.

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• SEC Approves Ether ETF Options Trading
• Argentina’s Congress Launches Investigation Into $250M LIBRA Token Collapse
• Paul Atkins Confirmed as SEC Chair

SEC Approves Ether ETF Options Trading

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved options trading on a spot ether (ETH) exchange-traded fund for the first time, greenlighting a proposal by Nasdaq ISE to list options on BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA).

The approval allows investors to hedge or speculate on the price of ETHA without directly trading the ETF itself. Options are widely used by institutional players to manage risk or amplify returns on large positions.

BlackRock’s ETHA remains the only ether ETF with approved options. While other issuers like Fidelity and Ark Invest also list spot ether ETFs, those are on different exchanges—NYSE Arca and Cboe—which must submit separate filings to list their own ETF options.

Argentina’s Congress Launches Investigation Into $250M LIBRA Token Collapse

Argentina’s Congress has voted to investigate the LIBRA token, a cryptocurrency promoted earlier this year by President Javier Milei, that led to a wave of investor losses that wiped out more than $250 million in investor wealth.

In a special session, the lower house approved three resolutions: establishing an investigative commission, requesting formal documentation from the executive branch, and summoning top government officials to testify. 

Among those called are Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona, and the president’s Chief of Cabinet, Guillermo Francos.

The initiative was led by the Democracy Forever bloc and passed with a clear majority, though not without friction. Lawmakers from the ruling La Libertad Avanza party pushed back, calling the move political overreach. “This is Congress assuming powers that belong solely to the Judiciary,” said Deputy Nicolás Mayoraz.

At the center of the controversy is LIBRA, a memecoin that surged in value after Milei publicly endorsed it on social media in February, describing it as a tool to boost Argentina’s economy and support small businesses. The promotion triggered a flood of buying activity, but blockchain data later showed insiders with large holdings quickly sold into the rally, triggering a 90% price collapse.

Deputy Pablo Juliano, who supported the probe, framed it as a matter of public accountability. “The time has come for Congress to audit whether there is any harm to Argentina,” he said.

Paul Atkins Confirmed as SEC Chair

Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner with deep ties to the financial services industry, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, ushering in a new phase for crypto regulation in Washington.

Atkins was approved in a 52-44 vote on Wednesday and will be sworn in shortly, replacing interim Chair Mark Uyeda, who has already overseen a dramatic pivot in the agency’s stance toward digital assets. Atkins’ confirmation was largely expected, but split along party lines, with Democrats uniformly opposing him in committee.

A Republican and past appointee of President Donald Trump, Atkins has spent recent years advising crypto firms as a Washington consultant. His return to the SEC comes at a moment when the agency is rapidly scaling back enforcement in the crypto sector. 

Under Uyeda, the SEC dismissed several high-profile digital asset cases and began reclassifying major parts of the industry — including stablecoins and memecoins — as beyond its reach.

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