Bats Options launched 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 May 17.
Joe Ratterman, CEO of Bats Global Markets and Bats Exchange, said: “Today marks a tremendous milestone for Bats with the launch of Bats Options. 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.”
Jeromee Johnson, vice president of market development at Bats Global Markets, 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.”
