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.

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.

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.