NYSE Group Inc. today announced that NYSE Arca Options, its new platform for trading options, reached an all time high trading 531,442 electronic contracts on Friday, February 9.

Friday’s volume surpassed the previous Jan. 19, 2007 record of 467,477 and also marked a 45% increase over January’s average daily electronic volume which was 380,142.

“In only four months since the completed rollout on Oct. 10, 2006 we have experienced a dramatic increase in our electronic trading business”, said NYSE Arca vice president of derivative products, Jon Werts. “Customers are attracted to the speed, reliability and functionality that our new system offers. We are continuing to add new market makers and order flow providers to our platform providing investors with access to a truly robust options trading platform.”

NYSE Arca’s electronic market share in the penny pilot issues has increased over 85%, since the introduction of the SEC penny pilot program on Jan. 26, it reports. The new NYSE Arca model is designed to reward participants that improve market quality and provide liquidity while offering increased efficiency and economic benefits to the growing options industry.