The Bitcoin options market: A first look at pricing and risk

Akanksha Jalan, Roman Matkovskyy and Saqib Aziz

Applied Economics, 2021, vol. 53, issue 17, 2026-2041

Abstract: This paper offers the first-ever look at Bitcoin options by investigating the wedge between optimum Bitcoin option prices based on classical option valuation models (Black-Scholes-Merton and the Heston-Nandi GARCH (1,1)) and actual premiums at which these options are trading. For this purpose, we use near-the-money call and put options traded on Deribit platform as on 27.01.2020, with the maturities ranging from January 31 to 25 September 2020. In addition, we analyse the risk inherent in Bitcoin options by calculating their Greeks and comparing them to those of traditional commodity options. Pricing results suggest slight overpricing and underpricing for Bitcoin call options with the strike $8,000 maturing on 30.01.2020 and 28.02.2020, respectively. We also find that the Bitcoin options provide much stable deltas over time compared to the other commodity options. This result implies higher insulation from undue price rises with the passage of time for investors in Bitcoin options. Our results are useful to regulators, investors and market managers in better understanding the nuances of the Bitcoin options market in addition to making more informed investment choices.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2020.1854671

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