Celebrating 40 Years of Options Education with the Options Institute at Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Marks 40 Years of Options Education with The Options Institute

In 2025, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., a prominent leader in the derivatives and securities exchange space, celebrates a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of its educational arm, The Options Institute. This celebratory year commenced during National Financial Literacy Month, underscoring the integrated mission of enhancing investor knowledge throughout the financial landscape.

The Options Institute has been dedicated to nurturing investors’ comprehension of options trading and derivatives, ensuring that individuals are well-equipped to make informed investment decisions. As the complexities of financial markets evolve, so does the commitment of The Options Institute to foster an understanding of these intricacies.

A Journey Through Time

Founded in 1985, The Options Institute initially served the professional traders operating on the trading floor at Cboe’s Chicago facility. Its primary goal was to augment the understanding of options mechanics among these professionals through structured classes and mock trading sessions directly in the trading pits. Over the decades, it has grown its audience significantly, now educating a diverse range of students including trading firms, advisors, regulatory bodies, and even influential leaders from Fortune 500 companies.

The Institute's programming has adapted to meet the requirements of an expanding retail trader community. Recent developments include integrating technology to offer on-demand online courses and incorporating advanced trading tools and data analytics. This evolution showcases a commitment not only to professionals but also to everyday investors looking to navigate the financial markets confidently.

Among the courses offered, participants can explore foundational topics such as "Options 101" and more advanced lessons like "Practitioner’s Perspectives on Options Strategies." Instructors are seasoned professionals with industry backgrounds, ensuring that the participants receive top-notch education.

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts

The Options Institute’s influence extends through strategic collaborations with retail brokerages and educational organizations. For instance, Chris Larkin, Head of Trading & Investing at E*TRADE, emphasizes the importance of financial education as more investors delve into complex trading strategies like options. Echoing similar sentiments, Michael Obucina from Robinhood highlights that educational content and resources provided through The Options Institute equip retail investors with the necessary tools they need in their investment journeys.

Furthermore, institutions such as National Louis University have also found value in partnering with The Options Institute to enhance the financial literacy of their diverse audience. Such collaborations reflect a community-focused approach to education, encouraging economic and social mobility.

Expanding Horizons: Global Education Initiatives

The reach of The Options Institute is not limited to the United States; its mission now embraces a global vision. Acknowledging a growing international demographic of investors interested in options trading and U.S. markets, the Institute has initiated educational efforts in Europe. Online courses, along with multilingual content tailored specifically for European retail investors, mark a significant expansion of their mission. The Institute is also exploring similar programs in the Asia Pacific region, aiming to provide localized knowledge and resources.

This year, The Options Institute unveiled a financial literacy pilot program in collaboration with educational institutions and charitable organizations. Designed for students of varying ages, the program focuses on core financial principles like budgeting, debt management, and investment basics, laying a foundation for a financially literate future generation.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on this journey, Alexandra Szakats, Vice President and Head of The Options Institute, expresses excitement for the future of financial literacy education. With an objective to empower diverse backgrounds and experiences in the financial arena, the Institute plans to introduce courses in German and French in late 2025, further extending their educational outreach.

“What began as a handful of classes on the trading floor has blossomed into a comprehensive global educational platform that serves current and future investors across various backgrounds,” says Szakats. As Cboe Global Markets embarks on celebrating this milestone, the emphasis remains on preserving the spirit of innovation and commitment to educating a new generation of investors and traders for years to come.

To dive deeper into The Options Institute’s educational offerings and to stay abreast of upcoming programs, you can visit Cboe’s official site.