Assignment

How Assignment Works Options can be exercised, leading to assignment, where the seller must fulfill the terms of the contract. European options can only be exercised at expiration, while American options can be exercised at any time before expiration. Assignments are processed by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC).

Scenarios for Early Assignment

• Dividends: Early assignment may occur if the time value of an ITM call is less than the dividend.

• Deep ITM Options: These are often exercised early, especially close to expiration, due to their intrinsic value.

Managing Assignment Risk

• Close positions with significant unrealized profits before expiration to avoid unexpected assignment.

• Use defined-risk strategies to limit potential losses.