

Crypto Options Unplugged
Deribit Exchange
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2024 • 51min
Has The Bitcoin Breakout Begun? #38
In this week's episode, Imran and David follow up on last week's bullish discussion as BTC tries to break above key resistance at 66k. David sees the recent China moves as reasons to stay bullish, along with Trump's rising victory odds. Imran gives a quick summary on the moves in crypto vol space. David also catches up with Stephane Reverre, President of Sun Zu Labs who is building liquidity metrics for market makers and token issuers. Stephane gives his thoughts on the space as a whole and all the opportunities that exist due to the fragmentation of the market.

Oct 11, 2024 • 58min
Raoul Pal & Crypto Michaël Unplugged #37
In this week’s special episode, Imran and David sit down with Real Vision Founder and CEO Raoul Pal, and Michaël van de Poppe, Founder of EMN Group, also known as Crypto Michaël. Unsurprisingly, there is a bullish consensus, but they also consider what could go wrong and what might be delaying the start of the rally that many are expecting, given recent positive macro developments such as Fed cuts and China’s stimulus. They discuss the upcoming U.S. election and the wave of new money waiting to enter the market if a breakout is confirmed. Raoul points out that the price action is following last year almost perfectly and stresses that his infamous ‘Banana Zone’ is imminent. Imran highlights that call options seem very cheap considering the potential upside the next 6 months could bring.

Oct 2, 2024 • 31min
Will "Uptober" Mark The Start Of Crypto's Q4 Rally? #36
In this week’s episode, Imran and David host OTC trader Jake Ostrovosis from Wintermute.
They discuss the recent China stimulus, which is set to add more liquidity to global markets and drive the next leg higher in crypto assets.
Jake sees potential for inflows coming after the U.S. election uncertainty has passed, which may delay the start of the Q4 rally.
However, the launch of the IBIT ETF options makes him very bullish on the future of the crypto options market, which should attract new players for both speculation and hedging purposes.

Sep 25, 2024 • 37min
Crypto Markets Rally As The FED Cuts Rates By 50 Bps #35
In this week's episode, Imran and David are joined in the studio by Stefan Rust, Founder and CEO of Truflation. They discussed the recent FED rate cut and new stimulus measures from China which have helped to restart the crypto rally in the last week. Stefan explains what inspired him to kickstart Truflation over 3 years ago and how the markets are embracing his new and innovative way of producing real-time macro data on the blockchain. They touch on the inflation and/or currency debasement hedging properties of Bitcoin and the need to protect against asset price inflation in a world of perpetual money printing. Stefan and his team are producing data that even some governments around the world are embracing as the most accurate alternative to help them calibrate monetary policy most efficiently. This is a conversation not to be missed!

Sep 18, 2024 • 46min
Can A 50bps Rate Cut Get Crypto Moving Again? #34
In this week's episode, Imran & David discuss the recent price action in the crypto market in the wake of a dramatic repricing in rate cut odds. With a 50bp cut now the most likely outcome, they discuss why BTC is not moving up in line with US stock markets. Imran catches up with special guest Marty, CIO of Mymo Group and prominent crypto Twitter influencer to get his perspective on the current setup in crypto vol and how the election is being priced. David continues to like the macro fundamentals but Imran has started to increase hedges as weak seasonality takes hold before the election.

Sep 11, 2024 • 33min
Crypto Shorts Get Covered Ahead Of Key US Election Debate #33
In this week’s episode, Imran and David host special guest Neelabh Dixit, Head of Product Strategy at Talos. They discuss the recent choppy moves we’ve seen in crypto markets as rate volatility has been hitting risk assets due to concerns around growth. David gives his macro picture and Imran highlights what he’s seeing in crypto volatility. Neelabh shares his thoughts about the market, the US election impact, and how the crypto client base is evolving.
Neither Talos Global, Inc. nor any of its affiliates is an investment advisor or broker/dealer. This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a promotion or recommendation of, any digital asset, security, derivative, commodity, financial instrument or product or trading strategy. This is not intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Sep 4, 2024 • 47min
Another False Breakout For Bitcoin As Risk Assets Tumble #32
In this week's episode, Imran and David discuss the recent weakness in crypto markets as last week's gains were quickly given back as volatility increased. David flags that month-end typically leads to less liquidity and can be a reason for pullbacks. Imran highlights what the key option flows including the 13Sep expiry finding a relative bid due to the presidential debate scheduled for 10Sep. This week's special guest is Ash Ashmawy, Founder and CEO of Kemet Trading. Imran finds out what led Ash to jump out the world of TradFi hedge funds and into crypto back in 2021, and where he sees the space going.

Aug 28, 2024 • 52min
Powell and Politics Give Bitcoin The Green Light For A Q4 Rally #31
In this week's episode, Imran and David discuss the recent spike in BTC prices, as the Jackson Hole speech from last week had some stronger language and signalled the start of a cutting cycle. The recent developments in US politics have seen Trump take back the lead in the polls, and they discuss how BTC is likely to trade in and around the run-up to the election. Imran caught up with traders Bob Wallden and Bohan Jiang from Abra Prime Services to see how they were seeing the current market and what trading styles they were employing to navigate crypto, having both come from FX vol backgrounds. Bohan pointed out that the election debate scheduled for September 10th is probably the next big mover for crypto markets.

Aug 21, 2024 • 56min
Crypto Markets Stagnate as Stocks and Gold Surge #30
In this week's episode, we give you something a little different as price action has been somewhat muted in Cryptoland. Imran and David gives their quick takes on macro and volatility but the bulk of the episode covers David's interview with Meltem Demirors, Founder and General Partner at Crucible Capital. Meltem has a wealth of experience in the industry and has some great insights into where the future may be headed and how she is positioning her firm for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
Crypto Rebounds As Inflows Return With ETH Volatility In Demand #29
In this week's episode, Imran and David sit down with James Van Straten from Cryptoslate, a viewer favorite returning to the show. They discuss the sharp rebound in crypto markets after last week's turbulence and whether the bull run is back on. David still likes everything he sees from a macro standpoint but James thinks the real upside comes in Q4. Imran gives his rundown on crypto vol this week and reveals a couple of his favorite trade ideas right now to position for more Bitcoin dominance.


