Crypto Options Unplugged

Deribit Exchange
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Join Imran Lakha and David Brickell on 'Crypto Options Unplugged,' your weekly-go-to crypto podcast. Expect in-depth analyses valuable insights, expert opinions, and entertaining discussions on the crypto market's hottest topics. Don’t miss out - tune in, subscribe, and stay plugged into the pulse of the crypto world!

  1. 2d ago

    The Crypto Options Market Is Changing #123

    In this week’s episode of Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha is joined by Jake, Head of OTC Trading at Wintermute, for a deep dive into the macro and volatility forces shaping crypto markets.The conversation starts with rising US long-end yields, uncertainty around the Fed’s reaction function, and the growing importance of Japan and coordinated FX intervention. They discuss why the bond market remains under pressure even as expectations for further Fed hikes fade, and what that means for broader risk assets.The discussion then turns to the AI trade, where leverage, forced liquidations and crowded positioning have driven extreme moves across equities. From there, Imran and Jake explore why crypto has struggled to capture the same attention, despite continued development and adoption across the digital asset space.Jake also gives an inside view of the crypto OTC options market, including the surprising strength of HYPE options activity, persistent overwriting in Bitcoin and Ethereum, and why both realised and implied volatility remain heavily compressed. They debate whether this low-volatility regime is simply the new normal or whether it could be setting the stage for a much larger move.Finally, they look at the long-term evolution of crypto derivatives, why Bitcoin’s lack of native yield could support further growth in options markets, and whether crypto options may eventually become large enough to influence spot prices themselves. #crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcast

    The Crypto Options Market Is Changing #123

  2. Aug 5

    Fed, Japan & Bitcoin: The Macro Forces Driving Markets #122

    In this week's episode of Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell unpack the biggest macro developments driving markets following the latest Fed decision. They examine why policymakers chose to leave rates unchanged, whether the market is questioning the Fed's credibility, and why rising term premiums—not inflation expectations—may be telling the more important story.The discussion then shifts to Japan, where mounting pressure on the yen and bond market has prompted unprecedented support from the United States. David explains why Japan's debt dynamics have become a global issue, how dollar liquidity and Treasury markets are connected, and why the long-term macro framework continues to point toward lower rates and further intervention.The conversation also explores why Bitcoin has remained resilient but lacking immediate upside from improving liquidity conditions. They discuss Michael Saylor's recent selling, the Coldcard wallet exploit, and why these developments may have weighed on sentiment without damaging Bitcoin's longer-term thesis.Finally, Imran and Dave examine the renewed strength in AI-related equities, how leveraged positioning amplified recent volatility, and whether the correction has now reset the trade. They close by discussing what comes next for macro, equities, crypto, and liquidity as multiple market narratives continue to collide. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

    Fed, Japan & Bitcoin: The Macro Forces Driving Markets #122

  3. Jul 29

    Why Japan Could Trigger the Next Global Market Shock #121

    In this week’s Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell welcome back Greg Magadini for a wide-ranging discussion on the macro forces shaping global markets. The conversation begins with the Federal Reserve, inflation, and why markets may be overestimating the likelihood of further rate hikes despite softer underlying inflation data and easing energy prices.The discussion then turns to one of the biggest macro stories on the horizon: Japan. Greg explains why Japan's rising bond yields, enormous debt burden, and weakening currency could become a defining theme for global markets. The trio examine how credit markets, central bank policy, and currency dynamics interact—and why the Japanese yen may represent one of the most important macro trades over the coming years.Along the way, they explore the recent pullback in AI-related stocks, debating whether the move reflects deteriorating fundamentals or simply positioning after an overcrowded trade. They also discuss how capital flows, leverage, and macro uncertainty continue to influence both equities and crypto markets.Finally, Greg shares several options-based approaches to expressing long-term macro views, highlighting why understanding volatility, carry, and asymmetric risk can create opportunities that most investors overlook. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.

    Why Japan Could Trigger the Next Global Market Shock #121

  4. Jul 22

    Borrowing Against Bitcoin Is Getting Easier? #120

    In this week’s Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell are joined by Stan Havryliuk, CEO of SATS Terminal, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of Bitcoin-backed lending and why borrowing against Bitcoin may become one of crypto’s biggest growth markets. Stan shares his journey from building crypto startups to launching SATS Terminal, a platform that aggregates Bitcoin lending opportunities across DeFi protocols to simplify access to liquidity.The discussion explores how Bitcoin holders can unlock liquidity without selling their assets, why some lending markets are currently offering negative interest rates through incentive programs, and how SATS Terminal removes much of the complexity involved in cross-chain Bitcoin lending. The trio also examine liquidation risks, user experience, and why making crypto products simpler remains one of the industry's biggest challenges.The conversation then turns to the future of on-chain options, with Stan outlining his vision for making options trading far more accessible by focusing on simple outcomes rather than technical jargon. They discuss why options could become the next major product category after perpetual futures and prediction markets, particularly as wallets and exchanges search for new ways to engage users.Finally, the panel shares their outlook on crypto markets, venture capital funding, AI, and institutional adoption. While acknowledging that market sentiment remains cautious, they argue that the long-term opportunity for Bitcoin infrastructure, lending, and AI-powered financial products continues to grow as the industry matures. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcast

    Borrowing Against Bitcoin Is Getting Easier? #120

  5. Jul 16

    Weaker Inflation Data Triggers A Wave Of Crypto Buying.  Will It Last? #119

    This week on Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell break down the latest macro developments following a softer-than-expected US CPI report and discuss why markets may have overestimated the chances of another Federal Reserve rate hike. They examine Kevin Warsh's evolving approach to monetary policy, what it means for inflation, and why the next Fed move is still more likely to be a rate cut than a hike.The conversation then shifts to crypto, where Bitcoin and Ethereum have begun outperforming as macro conditions improve. The pair explore whether Bitcoin is finally breaking out of its multi-month range, how options positioning and volatility are changing beneath the surface, and why skew and implied volatility suggest sentiment may be turning more constructive.They also discuss Ethereum's recent strength, Robinhood's new Layer 2 blockchain, the return of retail interest through meme coins, and whether renewed activity across the Ethereum ecosystem could mark the beginning of a broader altcoin recovery. The episode finishes with key technical levels to watch and what would be needed to confirm the next major leg higher for crypto markets.

    Weaker Inflation Data Triggers A Wave Of Crypto Buying.  Will It Last? #119

  6. Jul 8

    The Biggest Banks Are Finally Going All In on Crypto #118

    In this week’s Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell are joined by Andrew Theodosiou, Director of Sales at Talos, to discuss how institutional adoption is accelerating and why digital asset infrastructure is rapidly converging with traditional finance. Andrew explains how banks, hedge funds, ETF providers, and trading firms are moving beyond simply offering crypto exposure and are now investing in tokenization, stablecoins, prediction markets, perpetual futures, and 24/7 trading infrastructure. The discussion explores why regulatory clarity has removed much of the career risk around digital assets and why institutions are now building multi-year strategies rather than waiting on the sidelines.The conversation then shifts to the long-term investment case for Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenized assets. The panel debates whether Bitcoin will ultimately become digital gold, why stablecoins represent crypto’s clearest real-world use case, and how tokenization could transform everything from payments to securities trading over the coming decade.The episode concludes with a macro and options market update, covering Bitcoin’s current positioning, the four-year cycle, whale accumulation, volatility dynamics, and why patience and disciplined positioning may offer a better strategy than trying to perfectly time the next crypto bull market. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcast

    The Biggest Banks Are Finally Going All In on Crypto #118

  7. Jun 30

    Has the Fed Got It Wrong? What It Means for Bitcoin #117

    In this week’s Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell break down the latest macro developments following the Federal Reserve meeting, examining why markets may have overreacted to the Fed’s seemingly hawkish stance and what falling oil prices, declining inflation expectations, and shifting real yields could mean for Bitcoin and risk assets.The discussion explores the rotation taking place beneath the surface of equity markets, questioning whether the AI trade is beginning to cool and if capital could gradually find its way back into crypto. The pair also analyse Bitcoin’s current market structure, options positioning, volatility, and why the asset may be in a bottoming process despite persistent bearish sentiment.The episode also dives into the growing concerns surrounding Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), the debate over its capital structure and preferred securities, and whether fears of a forced Bitcoin liquidation are justified. Finally, Imran and David discuss why patience, disciplined positioning, and avoiding leverage remain critical as investors prepare for the next phase of the crypto cycle. Deribit FZE does not accept UAE retail clients for derivatives and does not accept US clients and clients from restricted countries.#crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcast

    Has the Fed Got It Wrong? What It Means for Bitcoin #117

  8. Jun 18

    The Evolution of Bitcoin, DeFi & Prediction Markets #116

    In this week’s Crypto Options Unplugged, Imran Lakha and David Brickell sit down with Andrew Melville, Head of Research at Block Scholes, to explore one of the most important shifts happening in crypto today: the acceleration of institutional adoption and the emergence of prediction markets as a new financial primitive.Andrew shares how Block Scholes has become a leading provider of crypto derivatives and volatility data, supplying institutions, hedge funds, exchanges, and even Bloomberg. The discussion examines why institutional interest is no longer a future narrative but a present reality, with banks, structured product desks, and traditional financial firms increasingly building crypto capabilities despite challenging market conditions.The conversation then turns to market structure, Bitcoin’s resilience amid macro uncertainty, ETF flows, volatility dynamics, and the growing influence of AI-driven capital allocation. The trio debate why crypto volatility remains subdued despite large price swings, and how institutional capital may reshape the industry over the coming years.Finally, Andrew provides his perspective on prediction markets, the evolution of decentralized finance, and why the next wave of growth may come not from speculation alone, but from real-world applications and infrastructure being built today. #crypto #trading #cryptocurrencynews #podcast

    The Evolution of Bitcoin, DeFi & Prediction Markets #116
See All (140)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join Imran Lakha and David Brickell on 'Crypto Options Unplugged,' your weekly-go-to crypto podcast. Expect in-depth analyses valuable insights, expert opinions, and entertaining discussions on the crypto market's hottest topics. Don’t miss out - tune in, subscribe, and stay plugged into the pulse of the crypto world!

Information

  • Creator
    Deribit Exchange
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Deribit Exchange
  • Show Website
    Crypto Options Unplugged

You Might Also Like