Crypto Options Unplugged

Imran and David explore the recent "slow grind higher" of Bitcoin as it digests overhead supply, contrasting crypto’s low volatility with the explosive, retail-driven gamma frenzy currently fueling AI and semiconductor stocks. They argue that despite "sticky" price levels, a highly supportive macro environment marked by surging bank repo liquidity, declining bond volatility, and the Fed’s willingness to tolerate inflation is creating a massive tailwind for risk. Ultimately, they conclude that while AI is currently capturing the "hot money," the ongoing expansion of the monetary base reinforces the long-term necessity of owning hard assets like Bitcoin as a hedge against inevitable currency debasement.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

In this episode of Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) are joined by James Brownlee, CEO of T-0 Network, to discuss the massive shift in how money moves across borders. We kick off with a look at Bitcoin’s "grindy" price action as it targets the $85,000 level, exploring why institutional inflows and negative real yields are fuelling this outperformance over altcoins.Then, we dive deep into the world of Stablecoins. James explains how T-0 is bypassing the slow, opaque, and expensive legacy SWIFT system to enable near-instant, "fiat-to-fiat" global settlements using USDT.Key topics covered:BTC Market Analysis: Why 85K is the next big level to watch.The Stablecoin Paradigm Shift: Why 95% of the market still relies on the USD.Regulatory Fragmentation: The impact of MiCA in Europe vs. the US "Clarity Act."Fixing Global Remittances: How blockchain makes cross-border payments feel as fast as local ones.Institutional Adoption: How the world’s biggest banks are reacting to the threat of T-Zero settlement.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

In this episode, Imran Lakha  (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) dissect a "grindy" market where crypto seems to be falling asleep while equities and semiconductors go parabolic. We explore the growing decoupling between Bitcoin and the resurgent tech sector, diving deep into the massive supply overhead at the $80k level and the "yield hunting" trend dominating the options space. Beyond crypto, we analyze the "headline fatigue" surrounding geopolitical conflicts, the alarming risk of a manufacturing shutdown due to dry supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz, and how a "transitory" oil shock is actually driving real rates lower—creating a surprisingly bullish (if volatile) backdrop for risk assets.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

In this episode, James Harris, CEO of Tesseract joins Imran and David  to discuss the current state of the Defi market. James talks of his transition from a TradFi background at banks like Citigroup and Salomon Brothers to building regulated crypto infrastructure since 2017. Harris provides a technical breakdown of a recent DeFi exploit involving Kelp DAO and Aave, explaining how the attacker spoofed a bridge to drain assets and why hard-coded pegs often create systemic vulnerabilities. The conversation explores Tesseract’s role in providing regulated "yield-as-a-service" for major platforms like Robinhood and Bitstamp, alongside the emergence of on-chain "vaults" that offer real-time transparency for institutional asset management. Harris emphasizes that while he values the permissionless nature of DeFi, regulatory frameworks like MiCA are essential for protecting users and facilitating the tokenization of everything.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

In this week's episode Imran (Options Insight)and David (FRNT) catch up with a one-to-one conversation. They delve into the recent happenings in crypto and macro that are driving the latest wave of optimism which has taken equity market back to the highs. After months of range trading they question if this is finally the upside break we have been waiting for and Imran explains how he's playing it with short dated calls.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

Jasper De Maere, OTC trader at Wintermute, joins Imran and Dave. He moved from traditional sales & trading and equity research at Morgan Stanley into crypto research at Outlier Ventures before joining Wintermute’s OTC desk. He flags options volumes surging 5x year-over-year on the desk, driven mainly by yield-generating strategies such as covered calls and cash-secured puts from long holders, plus targeted catalyst trades. Delta One remains the core business. Points discussed include Bitcoin in an accumulation zone with persistent structural supply pressure, but slow institutional buying continues to provide support. Miners face profitability challenges for the first time in a halving epoch with negative four-year BTC returns on held rewards; energy costs and smart treasury management (including options) are now critical, and some are pivoting toward AI data centers. The market is shifting from isolated projects toward deeper TradFi integration through tokenization, stablecoins, and AI agents, with capital likely concentrating in quality revenue-generating protocols.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

Crypto navigating post-Trump honeymoon blues and geopolitical noise (Iran conflict, oil volatility). Stephane Ouellette (CEO, FRNT Financial) returns for a frank discussion on 2025's "disappointing" bull market dynamics. DAT wave sucked capital from real operating businesses into speculative shells (many now trading below MNAV, struggling to deliver). Industry top-heavy: incumbents (Coinbase, Robinhood) and stablecoin plays thrived; smaller/mid-cap crypto firms starved of growth capital. Opportunity ahead: consolidation, tokenized equities/credit, blockchain payments modernization. Lending remains key unresolved need; FRNT focused here + advisory for TradFi entering crypto.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

Crypto holding steady amid ongoing Middle East tensions (US-Iran conflict ~3 weeks in, oil volatility high, equities pressured — BTC ~70K range resilient, no major flush). Guest Eamonn Gashier (Founder, Block Scholes) joins Imran & David: ex-TradFi trader (16 years in investment banks/hedge funds) who dove into crypto in 2017, left banking in 2021. Block Scholes evolved from options vol analytics (built for their own trading needs) into a leading Oracle provider — delivering real-world data (commodities, oil, etc.) on-chain for DEX settlement/liquidations. Volumes exploding on DEXs (especially during weekend/geopolitical gaps when TradFi is closed). Hype token example shows real utility winning. Outlook: bullish on capital inflows + adoption (institutional + AI execution bots); selective on alts (focus utility/economics, not memes). Macro: central banks trapped (supply shocks vs. growth risks, financial repression likely) — tailwind for BTC as non-sovereign asset. Great discussion covering a lot of bases. Like and Subscribe for more.

In this episode, Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, joins Imran Lakha and David Brickell (FRNT) to map out the institutional landscape of 2026. Hougan breaks down why he believes a $1,000,000 Bitcoin price is a matter of simple math, provided it captures just 17% of an expanding global store-of-value market.We also dive into the "Leapfrog" theory of Digital Asset Treasuries, the psychological impact of "Quantum FUD" on institutional committees, and why AI agents are the secret catalyst for future blockchain volume. Finally, Matt explains the stakes of the Clarity Act and why turning regulatory "sand into cement" is the final step for trillions in sidelined capital.We also announce the lucky winners of out 100 USDC giveaway. Like and subscribe for more.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

Crypto has held up surprisingly well as macro and geopolitical tensions continue to rise. While traditional risk assets have struggled, Bitcoin is still holding around the $70K range and volatility is starting to return to the market. This week, Imran sits down with Maxime Seiler, co-founder of STS Digital, one of the leading market makers in the crypto options space. They talk about why crypto has remained relatively stable despite the macro pressure, how options traders are positioning right now, and what current volatility levels could be signaling for the next move. They also dive into Maxime’s background in traditional volatility trading, the growth of the crypto derivatives market, and how macro headlines are increasingly shaping price action in crypto. Like and subscribe for more.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto shows resilience amid escalating Middle East conflict: US strikes on Iran trigger weekend drop, kinetic war fears push oil +20%, stocks were hammered — yet BTC holds ~67K range (no sub-60K flush), ETH stable. Liquidations appear exhausted; no major sellers left? Or head-fake before next leg? Guest Jason Urban (Co-Head Digital Assets, Galaxy Digital) joins Imran & David: background from Goldman index vol → DRW → Galaxy. Views crypto as maturing asset class — still collegial, but tribal narratives fading. BTC medium-term constructive (bottom near/in, back-half rally likely); altcoins bifurcate (winners emerge on real economics/use cases vs. hype). Solana micropayments pivot promising; ETH tokenized RWAs dominant. TradFi convergence + AI complementarity supportive; geopolitics favors BTC (freedom from debasement). Short-term cautious (risk off), but fundamentals scream higher. Like and subscribe for moreDeribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Episode 100 special! Guest Geoffrey Kendrick (Global Head of Digital Assets Research, Standard Chartered) joins Imran & David for milestone chat: BTC short-term capitulation risk to ~$50K (tech/AI rotation, macro slowdown), but strong rebound to $100K end-2026; long-term $500K by 2030 via portfolio optimization (BTC/gold mix, global access unlocks). ETH $4K end-2026, $40K 2030; Solana $135 end-2026, $2K 2030 (micropayments pivot). Stablecoins → $2T by 2028 (EM savings + corporate efficiency); tokenized RWAs → $2T (overtakes stables). Quantum threat solvable; miners → AI compute factories → marginal BTC mining at near-zero cost. TradFi adoption accelerating (stablecoins safer than banks in extremes, T-bill demand surge flattens curve, dollar dominance extension). Builders optimistic; price lags fundamentals.Takeaway: Extreme fear priced in — respect action, but macro + institutional flows (stablecoins/RWAs) supportive. Like, subscribe and comment to take part in this week's special 100 USDC giveaway to 10 lucky fans.Like, subscribe and comment on Youtube to take part in this week's special 100 USDC giveaway to 10 lucky fans!#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcastDeribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

This week Imran and David host guest Sid Powell (Maple Finance co-Founder) to discuss the disconnect between crypto prices and the growth in activity and positive trajectory in the space regarding infrastructure build and regulatory clarity. Topics discussed include: Borrowing demand shifted from basis trade compression to reserve/OTC/yield strategies; inflows post-crash ($150M stablecoins) show yield hunger. TradFi interest surges (tokenized private credit/RWAs); quantum threat dampens retail/RIA adoption but solvable long-term. Outlook: constructive medium-term (Fed dovish shift + AI capex rationalization likely), but short-term chop/de-risk probable. Tokenization + institutional flows key catalysts; ETH benefits from credit/DeFi dominance.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto finally broke lower last week, smashing through long-term supports triggering cascading liquidations, massive unwinds, and multi-year extreme put skew/vol explosion (front-end puts hit -30 vol skew, implieds ~100). Panic pricing peaked, and spot had sharp retrace (BTC back ~67K range) suggests worst may be over — potential retest of 74K as resistance before real bottom forms (without vol blowout). Guest Praneeth Srikanti (Ethereal Ventures partner) joins David for an indepth interview covering : VC crypto still active (pre-seed/seed focus), thesis shifting to risk/trust infrastructure (neutral, non-aligned layers for AI-era compute/power/settlements), tokenomics converging equity/token views, AI as crypto accelerator (provenance, deterministic agents, yield sources). Like and subscribe for more. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto & precious metals crack lower over the weekend as markets digest Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed Chair (replacing Powell in May) — seen as hawkish on balance sheet reduction (smaller Fed footprint, less QE dependency, favoring productive credit over asset inflation), sparking knee-jerk risk-off despite his dovish lean on rates. Put skew explodes (front-end protection demand surges, calls dumped), vol spikes, signaling near-term chop/volatility ahead of major supports (BTC ~74K line in sand, ETH ~2,200). Guest Eric Saraniecki (Canton Network co-founder, Digital Asset) joins David discussing Canton built for institutional composability & privacy, targeting high-utility collateral (Treasuries, cash legs, FX), cash-on-ledger velocity, RWAs at scale.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Gold Parabolic, Crypto Still Stuck – Why The Disconnect?Text: Crypto remains frustratingly range-bound (85–95K zone) despite gold/silver parabolic moves and macro liquidity tailwinds. Geopolitical noise easing (Greenland tariffs looking like classic Trump deal-making fade), but US government shutdown risk looms this weekend — could delay key crypto bills. BTC/ETH testing major supports (98K Fib + short-term holder cost basis provided overhang above), put skew elevated (protection demand strong), suggesting lows may not be in yet. Guest Adam Brice (ex-precious metals broker, now Hivemind Capital trader) joins Imran & Dave: discusses gold/silver decoupling, quantum risk (real but 5–10+ years out), generational shift (millennials value digital/non-sovereign assets), and why the alt narrative needs fresh momentum.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Markets give back last week’s gains as Trump reignites tariff threats — this time targeting the EU over Greenland access (rare earths + strategic Arctic control). BTC/ETH chop back to low end of the range, vol stays subdued (no major spike), but put skew ticks higher as call buying fades. Macro backdrop remains supportive (soft CPI, ongoing Fed liquidity drip, SLR tweaks), but Japan’s bond/yen pressure + geopolitical noise keep risk appetite cautious. Guest JM Mognetti (CoinShares CEO) joins Imran & Dave via video link: shares CoinShares journey from early hedge fund to today’s European ETF powerhouse + US NASDAQ listing push. Discusses tokenization as the next big convergence play, regulatory hurdles (Europe over-regulates, US catching up fast), and why Bitcoin’s long-term thesis remains intact despite short-term frustration. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Can Crypto wake up in 2026: risk appetite returns, big Dec 26 expiry overhang gone, and BTC/ETH finally looks to move higher while gold/stocks are already at new highs. But vol stays crushed — BTC still the “least loved” major asset despite the macro tailwinds (Fed’s ongoing “not-QE QE” T-bill buys + Fannie/Freddie MBS purchases + SLR tweaks = serious liquidity juice). Guest Reqir Van Damir (ex-Galaxy, now DRW senior trader) joins Imran & David to unpack the structural shift: Asian whales de-risking BTC (now seen as “US risk” post-ETF/MSTR accumulation), rotating into gold/silver/commodities amid de-dollarization + AI capex boom. Treasury-company supply drying up, but new buyers (who loaded at 92–107K) are underwater and could add pressure if we break 85K (then quick vacuum to 70K). Long-dated put skew remains sticky — institutions hedging, short-term traders overwriting topside.Takeaway: Macro is screaming bullish, but crypto needs fresh narrative/momentum to catch up. 85K is the line — hold it and 100K+ looks very real in Q1. Break it and 70K becomes the test.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

The New Year kicks off and Imran goes solo with guest Amar Patel (ex-Lehman/Nomura equity derivatives trader turned independent crypto trader based in Dubai). Amar shares his journey — from buying the 2017 top, reading The Bitcoin Standard in 2019, to piling into BTC at the March 2020 COVID crash lows (~$3.5K average) and never adding more fiat since. Discussion covers the shift from TradFi mean-reversion habits to embracing crypto’s momentum/trend-following nature, using leverage safely (tight stops, ATR-based sizing), and why pure HODL struggles in volatile regimes. Amar highlights catalyst-driven trades (ETH ETF speculation, BitMine buys) and the power of preparation + technical tools (Fibonacci, SuperTrend) over chasing every move. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

In this Christmas episode, Imran and David reflect on a frustrating 2025 for Bitcoin - despite gold/silver moves, ETF inflows and increasingly bullish macro and policy tailwinds. The duo blame persistent whales selling and reflexive “4-year cycle top” concerns for capping the upside. The liquidity outlook is set to brighten in 2026 with the FED’s new T-bill purchases and SLR tweaks for banks to buy more duration. The financial suppression playbook should be fully engaged. They still expect another big debasement wave to hit next year, driving Bitcoin (and risk assets) higher once year-end funding squeezes fade. Stay patient. The structural bull case is stronger than ever.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin chops sideways into the final FOMC of 2025 — 25 bps cut is priced to perfection, but the real game is the guidance: will Powell hint at aggressive 2026 cuts and, crucially, confirm front-end liquidity ops (“not-QE QE”) to ease funding stress? Imran & David debate the Bank of Japan headache (hiking into stagflation while forced to buy bonds = yen likely the escape valve) and why dollar-yen ripping to 200+ could actually be bullish for hard assets long-term. Today's special guest was James Check, co-founder of CheckonChain discussing what he's seeing from the on-chain and options world to guide his views into 2026.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin dropped after Bank of Japan hints at a December rate hike — markets flash back to August’s carry-trade scare and crypto dumps harder than stocks. Imran Lakha (Options Insight) & David Brickell (FRNT) push back: the real “carry unwind” fear (Japanese investors repatriating $4T in foreign assets) is overblown — domestic institutions move slowly and Japan’s stagflation mess actually makes the yen weaker long-term. Real problem remains US funding stress: TGA drawdown slowed by heavy T-bill issuance, QT ends this week but front-end pressures still building. Fed rate cut next week helps a little, but real relief only comes when the Fed proactively supplies front-end liquidity (“not-QE QE”). Until then, expect choppy price action into year-end.

Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) are joined by guest James Van Straten (CoinDesk) this week as Bitcoin bounces off the low-$80Ks after a brutal 35% correction. James explains why the pain felt worse than previous dips this cycle: short-term holders fully underwater, OG whales finally distributing, treasury-company euphoria popped, and the Oct-10 liquidation cascade wiped out leveraged buyers fast. ETFs, however, kept buying the dip — AUM only down ~5% from peak despite the price carnage. James remains convinced that MicroStrategy is NOT about to blow up (converts don’t put until 2027–28), but the treasury-company leverage party is over for now — shift is toward lending BTC for yield or issuing preferreds. The key takeaway is that 80k or below is a great accumulation level and the cycle top is not expected until 2026 as the mid-terms in the US will likely keep the money printers spinning. Stay patient, keep some dry powder/hedges, the big liquidity wave is coming.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin tests $90K as ETF outflows, whale selling and tighter funding markets weigh heavy. Imran & David break down the macro backdrop: Fed speakers turn hawkish, Dec rate-cut odds drop below 50%, equities wobble, liquidity still tight despite government-shutdown end. Hosts expect short-term pain (possible dip to high-$80Ks) but see relief soon from TGA spend-down and potential Fed “not-QE” front-end liquidity ops. Long-term bull thesis unchanged — more money printing coming in 2025–2026. Guest Sam Gaer (CIO, Monarch AM ) explains how he always keeps downside convexity in the book: buys near-the-money puts, sells 2× deep OTM “panic” puts to get paid for protection, delta-hedges actively and rolls profits Result: hedges pay for themselves most of the time and give dry powder to buy real dips.Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Host Dave Brickell (FRNT Financial) welcomes post-trade expert Quintin Archer (Panda Logic) with Imran away this week. Quintin explains how clearing houses in traditional finance manage risk and settle trades safely. He shares how firms like LCH are now bringing that same trust and efficiency to crypto with cash-settled Bitcoin and Ethereum futures and options. The future? Blending TradFi and DeFi through tokenization, stablecoins, and public blockchains because innovation happens fastest in open networks. In terms of markets, U.S. liquidity pressures eases as government spending is likely to resume; Fed may soon add support. Imran gives a remote vol update from Miami. Like and subscribe!#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #Podcast

Money is broken—but Bitcoin can fix it. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell (FRNT) welcome Joe Bryan, creator of viral video "What's the Problem?" From index trader to Bitcoin evangelist, Joe explains how fiat's "big red button" enables endless money printing, eroding purchasing power and incentivizing short-termism, corruption, inequality, health crises, and societal decay. Bitcoin separates money from state: rules without rulers, energy-bounded scarcity, self-custody via 12-word seeds, censorship-resistant transfers. Crypto ≠ Bitcoin—most is fiat with CEOs/marketing. Joe encourages people to embrace self-custody and educate themselves. Bitcoin is the life raft in debasement storm that keeps getting worse. Enjoy this feature-length episode—watch Joe's video linked below to learn more! Like and subscribe.

Crypto markets rebound into the range as US-China trade deal hopes rise and stocks hit ATHs ahead of tech earnings. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell (FRNT), with guest Alexander Hagen (ACE Digital Bitcoin Treasury CEO), discuss FOMC’s potential QT end fueling further upside. Alex shares his TradFi-to-crypto journey, building a Bitcoin treasury via options, emphasizing simplicity: "Just Bitcoin." He views ETH as "oil in the machine" or NASDAQ-like, not for treasuries. Options strategies for treasuries: own calls for upside, while some sell puts for yield and further accumulation. They remain bullish on Bitcoin’s debasement hedge properties amid fiscal dominance. Like and subscribe!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets fail to recover with equities despite dialed-back trade war rhetoric. Long-term holders are selling, while demand from digital asset treasuries and ETFs wanes. Put skew and volatility remain elevated, signaling caution ahead of CPI data. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell (FRNT) break the down cross-currents: funding market pressures forcing Fed QT to end, persistent debasement trade via liquidity needs, and potential risk-off in the near-term as price action derteriorates. Short-term caution advised—no bearish thesis change, but navigate volatility with proper sizing. Bullish long-term on Bitcoin amid systemic money printing but don't need to be a hero! Like and subscribe!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets tumble as Trump reignites trade tensions with China, causing nearly $20B in liquidations of leveraged positions. Volatility spikes and put skew explodes, especially in Ethereum, with altcoins facing massive drops. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave (FRNT), joined by Friedrich Herzog (Matrixport), discuss if it's time to buy the dip. Friedrich shares his journey from traditional finance (systematic equities at Goldman Sachs) to crypto, emphasizing Matrixport's focus on diversified alpha generating strategies. Despite the spat creating turbulence, macro tailwinds remain strong—position sizing, avoiding leverage, and using options for hedging are key to navigating washouts of weak hands. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets surge with gold as Bitcoin hits a new high near 126K, driven by a US government shutdown and tariff-funded stimulus talks fueling the debasement trade. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), with guest Oleksandr Proskurin (Arkis), note low volatility, with funding rates and call skew stable, indicating institutional-driven spot buying, not speculative futures led frenzy. Record $6B weekly ETF inflows signal maturing markets, with Solana’s low 70-80 vol and potential ETF approval suggesting upside to $250+. Arkis’s DeFi prime brokerage bridges on-chain and centralized finance, offering portfolio margin and KYC-compliant lending. Macro tailwinds—global rate cuts, rising liquidity, and Japan’s bond market pressures—support Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against fiat debasement. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets dipped into the September options expiry but rebounded strongly after flushing out weaker longs, with ranges holding firm. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), with special guest Greg Magadini (Amberdata), discuss persistent bearish sentiment despite a supportive macro backdrop—sticky 2.9% inflation, 3.8% GDP growth, and no major recession fears. Bitcoin’s realized volatility has collapsed to a 20 handle, while ETH and Solana show bullish chart patterns and persistent higher volatility, with ETH eyeing 5,000 and Solana’s December options at 70 vol looking attractive. Global debt dynamics, particularly Japan’s 250% debt-to-GDP, signal more fiat debasement, reaffirming the Bitcoin and gold bull cases. A potential US government shutdown is dismissed as a non-event, but delayed jobs data could add volatility ahead of the Fed’s October meeting. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets seesaw after the Fed’s 25-basis-point rate cut, signaling more easing ahead. Ethereum drops 6%, triggering liquidations at 2021 levels, testing key supports, while put protection spikes and funding rates turn negative, hinting at a potential short squeeze. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) analyze the flush-out of leveraged longs, with guest Sam Price (Crypto Lifer) offering a technical perspective, pointing to a head-and-shoulders pattern and a critical 200-period moving average on the 4-hour chart for Bitcoin at 113K. Despite the pullback, a Goldilocks macro backdrop sticky 3% inflation, slowing but resilient growth, and rising global liquidity supports a bullish outlook, with Bitcoin potentially targeting 190-250K. Watch for a V-shaped recovery or further correction to 98-103K. Like and subscribe for more!#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #Podcast Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets grind higher on low volatility as last week’s inflation data reinforced expectations for a Fed rate cut this week. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), joined by Usman Naeem (Global Head of Derivatives Sales and Trading at Coinbase), discuss whether this cut will spark crypto’s next leg up, given equities’ new highs and Bitcoin’s consolidation post-record levels. They discuss Coinbase’s recent acquisition of Deribit and what it means for the future of crypto options, institutional hedging driving put skew, and the maturing crypto market with digital asset treasuries (DATs) and DeFi growth. A Goldilocks macro backdrop—falling yields, strong liquidity, and no over-leverage—suggests a potential crypto melt-up in year-end. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets lag behind soaring equities and gold as weak U.S. jobs data (22K print, June revised to -13K) fully prices in a September Fed rate cut. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), joined by Mark Hiriart (ZeroCap), discuss suppressed crypto volatility (Bitcoin vol in low 30s) amid a narrow range, with persistent put skew driven by institutional hedging demand. Inflation data looms as the Fed enters blackout, but a supportive macro environment—falling yields, lower oil prices, and global rate cuts—signals bullish tailwinds for Bitcoin and altcoins like Ethereum and Solana. They explore ZeroCap’s institutional focus and the growing OTC derivatives market, predicting a Bitcoin rally to 150K post-consolidation. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin touches near $107K over the weekend, with institutional buying slowing as focus shifts to Ethereum’s relative strength. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) analyze the market’s rejection of new highs after Jackson Hole, with put skew rising due to protection buying. Despite fragile global bond yields, higher odds of a September Fed rate cut, and long-term bullish crypto trends persist. They discuss Bitcoin’s price pattern resembling earlier ranges, predicting a recovery without retesting below $100K, and highlight potential volatility risks on the downside. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets pull back from highs ahead of Jackson Hole, with put skew rising amid protection buying on risks that Powell pushes back on rate cuts. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) analyze Bitcoin’s choppy range, quick dip recoveries after disappointing jobs data, and Ethereum’s surge toward all-time highs. They discuss the institutional treasury adoption and a supportive macro backdrop (slowing growth, disinflation, September rate cut pricing) which has led to the Summer strength. Imran runs through some charts with Gareth Soloway, Chief Market Strategist at Verified Investing to get his take on the recent dip and how it shapes the technical outlook. Volatility remains stable for now, but hedges are key for summer risks. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets stay choppy over summer, with disappointing jobs data sparking dips that get quickly bought as rate markets eye a September Fed cut. Ethereum surges toward all-time highs, fueled by the Genius Act’s stablecoin boost and massive ETF inflows. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) analyze Bitcoin’s quick recovery, Ethereum’s dominance breakout, and the supply-demand dynamics driving alt season. They highlight Bitcoin and ETH treasury adoption, yield strategies, and a resilient macro backdrop of disinflation and global liquidity support. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets consolidate as Bitcoin hovers around 117K-120K, with Ethereum stealing the spotlight after a 30% rally driven by the Genius Act’s stablecoin clarity. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), joined by Dan Blackmore (Glassnode), explore on-chain insights revealing steady institutional buying along with profit-taking by long-term holders. Bitcoin’s structural health remains solid, while Ethereum’s narrative as the dominant layer-1 for stablecoins fuels massive ETF inflows and options volume. They discuss macro risks, including a $1.6T quarterly debt issuance and potential Fed liquidity support, reinforcing Bitcoin’s long-term bullish case. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets ignite as the Genius Act passes, boosting stablecoin adoption and fueling a 30% Ethereum surge in a week, with inflows overwhelming sellers and volatility soaring. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) dive into the long-awaited alt season, with Bitcoin dominance dropping to 60% and Ethereum leading the charge. The Genius Act’s regulatory clarity for stablecoins, settling heavily on Ethereum’s chain, drives massive ETF inflows and treasury strategies. They discuss Ethereum’s explosive options activity, macro stability, and risks like tariff deadlines and Fed chair uncertainty. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin hits new all-time highs at 120K, but volatility remains subdued as institutional treasury adoption drives steady accumulation. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) welcome a Women in Crypto panel featuring Barnali Biswal(Hilbert Group), Chantal (Deribit), and Lucy Balicki (Laser Digital). They discuss Bitcoin treasury strategies, with Hilbert Group focusing on active management to generate yield without excessive risk. The panel explores institutional adoption trends, Deribit’s USD-settled options launch, and the collaborative, diverse nature of the crypto industry, highlighting opportunities for young talent. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin struggles to break out, stuck in a range as volatility hits holiday lows, with tariff uncertainties creating headwinds but institutional dip-buying supporting prices. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), joined by James Van Straten (CoinDesk), analyze Bitcoin’s resilience above 100K, driven by treasury adoption and steady demand. Despite profit-taking, the macro backdrop remains bullish with easing geopolitics and potential Fed rate cuts. They explore MicroStrategy’s dominance, stablecoin growth, and AI’s looming economic impact, signaling a slow grind higher for crypto. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Equity markets hit new all-time highs, but Bitcoin remains range-bound between 100K and 110K, with volatility suppressed by heavy call-overwriting from institutional accumulators. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) discuss the fading geopolitical tensions, a supportive Goldilocks macro environment, and Fed speakers’ dovish shift towards more rate cuts. Despite a $300B liquidity drain at quarter-end, Bitcoin’s resilience and low volatility (near-year lows at 30) offer cheap upside potential. Ethereum’s volatility spread narrows, offering volatility trading opportunities. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets surge as geopolitical tensions ease, stablecoin regulations advance, and Fed speakers hint at July rate cuts, pushing Bitcoin toward new highs. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell(FRNT), joined by Nate Cox and Conrad Carvalho (Two Prime), explore Bitcoin’s consolidation, low volatility, and Ethereum’s persistent high-vol premium. From Two Prime’s yield strategies for institutional Bitcoin holders to concerns over MicroStrategy copycats, this episode dives into macro tailwinds, corporate treasury trends, and stablecoin dynamics. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Bitcoin trades in a tight 100K- 110K range as the summer lull persists, but Middle East tensions spark hedging demand. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell(FRNT) unpack the market’s resilience, supported by a Goldilocks macro backdrop of low inflation and steady ETF inflows. Ethereum’s high volatility premium holds as realized moves justify it. Imran speaks to special guest Charlie Sandor (CMT Digital), as they explore venture capital trends, stablecoin growth, and AI’s disruptive potential in crypto, from decentralized compute to data verification. Like and subscribe for more!#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #PodcastDeribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

Crypto markets trade in tight ranges with volatility trending lower, as Trump-Elon tensions spark brief risk-off moves before a Goldilocks jobs report lifts Bitcoin back towards 110K. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT) analyze the calm market, with option flows signaling a quiet summer but potential action in September. David is joined by Ben Cowen (Founder of Into The Cryptoverse) in a special segment where they dive into macro trends, Bitcoin’s resilience, and why altcoins may lag until Q4. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

In this week's episode, Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell discuss the recent consolidation in crypto markets and whether this is just a healthy correction or something more concerning given the macro backdrop. Imran summarizes what has been going on in options markets and the compression in both realized and implied volatility. The special guest this week is Tony Saliba, Founder and CEO of Liquid Mercury, and a major provider of trading infrastructure in the crypto options space. Tony gives his valuable insights into the future of tokenising real-world assets and how he is helping to shape the future of finance. Like and subscribe for more!

Bitcoin hits a new all-time high but pauses as EU tariff threats and bond market jitters dampen the mood, while policymakers signal towards yield curve control-type measures to boost liquidity. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight), Dave (FRNT), and guest Pedro Birmann (CEO, Quadra) dive into Bitcoin’s resilience, muted volatility offering trading opportunities, and Ethereum’s high-volatility surge. From Quadra’s platform empowering institutional crypto adoption to strategies like call ratio spreads and basis trades, this episode unpacks market dynamics and crypto’s maturing landscape. Like and subscribe for more!00:00 – Introduction00:56 – Today's Special Guest: Pedro Birmann from Quadra & All Time Highs06:10 – Quadra's Primary Business Focus08:53 – Pedro’s Professional Background and Career Journey11:07 – Deribit vs TradFi Options Platforms 14:20 – How Regular Companies Become Bitcoin Treasury Companies19:23 – Has Retail Been Sidelined in This Bull Cycle & Ethereum Insights24:03 – Ethereum vs Layer 2 Solutions and ETH Vols27:56 – Imran's Current Trading Approach & Options Trades32:47 – Funding Rates on Perpetual Swaps & More Insights 36:00 – Altcoin Volatility & Liquidity Theory41:45 – Closing Thoughts #crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #PodcastDeribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

US-China trade tensions ease, sparking a surge in risk assets and pushing Bitcoin to all-time highs, while Ethereum steals the show with a 50% rally and soaring volatility. Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and Dave Brickell(FRNT) unpack the market’s sharp turnaround in recent weeks, from Trump’s tariff pivot to fiscal policy shifts fueling liquidity. With bond yields signaling debt concerns but equities and crypto thriving, they dive into Bitcoin’s steady climb, Ethereum’s volatile breakout, and strategies for navigating this potential alt-driven rally. Like and subscribe for more!Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients or US clients, and clients from other restricted countries.

The final Episode of Crypto Options Unplugged is here!In this episode, Imran and David are joined by Jake Ostrovosis from Wintermute for a deep dive into the current crypto landscape. They discuss the broader investing environment across crypto and equities, the market outlook, and Jake shares his go-to crypto options trade in today’s conditions.#JakeOstrovosis #OptionsUnplugged

🎙️ Episode 15 of Crypto Options Unplugged: The Perpetual Edition is live!In this episode, Imran and David are joined by George Zarya from BeQuant for a deep dive into the world of institutional crypto trading. The conversation covers prime brokerage, basis trades, directional leverage, Delta 1 strategies, and much more. Enjoy the discussion!#GeorgeZarya #OptionsUnplugged