Crypto Options Unplugged

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 week’s episode, Imran and David host a panel discussion with Brett Reeves (BitGo), Adam Groom (Copper), and Sophie Bowler (Zodia Custody) to explore why custody is becoming a pivotal factor in crypto’s evolution. They discuss the rise of institutional-grade custody solutions, the challenges of retail access, the specificities of the derivatives markets, the challenges retail access and shifting regulations. Imran and David also dive into the latest macro and crypto developments, including major liquidations over the weekend and Bitcoin’s ongoing bull case.

In this week's episode, Imran and David discuss the recent uptick across crypto markets as US yields backed off on softer inflation than expected last week, and a fresh wave of optimism was seen ahead of Donald Trump's Inauguration as President of the US. So far price action has been choppy around the event with no clear breakout and much of the weekend volatility was centered around the MEME coins launched by the First Family. David still sees the macro setup as very bullish and is unconcerned about reports of a BoJ rate hike later this week sparking more carry trade unwinds. Imran catches up with the guys from Greeks Live to discuss the tools they are creating to help retail options traders better execute and manage risk.

In this week's episode, Imran and David discuss the recent strong macro data that has led to higher US yields and a bout of de-risking across asset markets. Crypto markets broke below key supports but have since recovered on optimism around the incoming Trump administration and what they announce next week. David remains resoundingly bullish and is looking through the latest bond market weakness and expecting a reversal in yields. Imran catches up with Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata to see what he's seeing in vol trends and how the crypto market may evolve this year.

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.

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.

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.