Naked options have long been the domain of seasoned traders—those willing to take on risk for the possibility of outsized returns. In 2025, with new regulatory oversight and increased market volatility, Australians are seeing both the pitfalls and the allure of this bold strategy. But what exactly is a naked option, and how are the latest policy changes shaping the way they’re traded down under?
A naked option, also known as an uncovered option, is a financial contract where the seller (or writer) does not hold the underlying asset or a corresponding position to offset potential losses. This is distinct from ‘covered’ options, where the trader owns the asset and uses options to hedge or generate income.
In 2025, Australian brokers report a surge in interest as traders chase higher returns in a low-yield environment. For example, some ASX-listed tech stocks with high volatility have seen naked call volumes double compared to 2023, as investors bet on price stagnation—and pocket premiums for the risk.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has responded to the growing popularity—and inherent danger—of naked options. As of March 2025, new measures have come into effect:
These changes have already prompted some online brokers to restrict access to naked options for novice traders, while others have rolled out new educational resources. The upshot: trading naked options in Australia is now more transparent—but not necessarily less risky.
Trading naked options is not for the faint-hearted. The risk profile is asymmetric: the upside is limited to the option premium received, but the downside can be immense.
Consider this real-world scenario from early 2025: An investor writes a naked call on a surging lithium miner, expecting the price to stabilise. A surprise supply deal announcement sends the stock up 40% in a single session. The call writer is forced to buy shares at market prices far above the strike, resulting in a six-figure loss—dwarfing the initial premium earned.
However, when used judiciously, naked options can serve as a lucrative income strategy for experienced traders with a clear risk plan. Some professional trading desks use strict stop-loss orders and real-time monitoring tools to mitigate the dangers, but even the pros face sudden shocks—especially in today’s volatile geopolitical and economic climate.
With ASIC’s tougher stance and the lessons of recent market swings, naked options are best left to those who fully understand the risks and have the capital to withstand adverse moves. For most Australian investors, covered options or well-hedged strategies may offer a safer path to portfolio growth.
Yet for those with deep market knowledge, robust risk controls, and a clear strategy, naked options remain a compelling—if perilous—tool in the 2025 financial landscape.