BATS Global Markets, an innovative global financial markets technology company, announces today’s much anticipated launch of the BATS Options exchange for trading US equity options.
BATS Options kicks off with live trading in options on 18 underlying securities, including cash equities and ETFs. The rollout of more than 6,400 underlying symbols will be completed by the 17th of May.
“Today marks a tremendous milestone for BATS with the launch of BATS Options,” said Joe Ratterman, CEO of BATS Global Markets and BATS Exchange. “We look forward to injecting competition into the US options markets just as we have in US and European equities -- with superior technology, pricing leadership and outstanding service.
“Also, of course, we are thankful to our members, investors and supporters in the industry who continue to play such significant roles in helping us to Make Markets Better. Special recognition goes to all of our BATS employees for their tremendous efforts toward a successful launch. I am very pleased to say that, thanks to our outstanding team, BATS was able deliver on its aggressive go-live schedule, well ahead of what most outside observers expected was even possible,” he said.
Jeromee Johnson, vice president, market development, who has spearheaded the options program, said “The response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are thrilled to have more than 30 member firms already approved for options trading with more eager to complete the membership process. We are excited about the opportunity in front of us and look forward to bringing greater efficiency to options market participants.”
The complete rollout schedule is available at http://www.batsoptions.com
