Jeff Park, the head of alpha strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, argues that Bitcoin ETF options are unlikely to diminish Bitcoin's inherent volatility.
He points out that traditional money management involves balancing supply and price stability, with central banks playing a crucial role. In contrast, Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million, meaning holders must navigate significant price fluctuations without any guarantees.
Recently, the SEC granted approval for options trading linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), enabling investors to gain more exposure to Bitcoin, the dominant cryptocurrency.
Park labeled this SEC decision as a transformative moment for the crypto landscape, marking the first regulated leverage on a limited-supply commodity in the financial arena.
He further noted that the potential for Bitcoin’s synthetic exposure is set to increase substantially, enhancing the utility of Bitcoin ETFs. Options traders will benefit from capturing greater delta while maintaining lower premium costs.
Additionally, since Bitcoin’s implied volatility tends to rise along with its spot price, it experiences negative Vana. This means that during gamma spikes, Bitcoin’s price can rise sharply and rapidly.
There is literally zero chance that BTC ETF options will reduce volatility in the future.
Z.E.R.O.
From my H1 Letter: pic.twitter.com/bM91rxIT6g
— Jeff Park (@dgt10011) September 22, 2024
Bitcoin is facing strong headwinds just shy of its all-time high, with analysts at Swissblock warning that a breakout may be off the table—at least for now.
As concerns grow over government debt and global instability, Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a serious alternative to both gold and U.S. Treasuries.
Anthony Pompliano, a prominent Bitcoin advocate and co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital, is reportedly preparing to launch a new BTC-focused investment firm dubbed ProCapBTC.
Economist Peter Schiff has revived his long-running feud with Bitcoin, warning that shareholders in Michael Saylor’s company, Strategy, could come to rue the day they followed its “all-in” crypto play.