Crypto exchanges are selling stock options and tokenized stocks but users may not own what they think
Bitget launched US stock options, claiming it is the first major crypto exchange to offer them. The rollout starts with simple buy-only call and put contracts for eligible users, with more advanced strategies planned later. The product sits alongside Bitget’s crypto trading, tokenized stocks, and CFDs on gold, forex, and indices. The move enters a booming options market: US listed options volume hit 15.2 billion contracts in 2025, a sixth straight record year, driven partly by short-dated trades. Options let traders control stock exposure with limited upfront cost, but they are complex and can expire worthless if moves are too small or too late. The launch also highlights the difference between options and tokenized stocks. Options are regulated contracts tied to a stock’s price, while tokenized stocks may represent real shares, price-tracking claims, or other structures depending on how they are built. Bitget’s announcement leaves key details unclear, including supported stocks, jurisdictions, and clearing arrangements.
