Options

Options are versatile derivative instruments that give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy (Call) or sell (Put) a digital asset at a specific strike price.Unlike futures, options offer a flexible way to hedge against "black swan" events or speculate on implied volatility. The 2026 landscape features a surge in on-chain options vaults (DOVs) and structured products that simplify complex "Greeks" for retail users. Explore this tag for insights into premium pricing, expiration cycles, and advanced strategic hedging in the decentralized derivatives market.

20244 Articles
Created: 2026/02/02 18:52
Updated: 2026/02/02 18:52
Russia’s Sberbank Seeks Green Light for Crypto Custody Amid Regulatory Push

Russia’s Sberbank Seeks Green Light for Crypto Custody Amid Regulatory Push

Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned lender , announced its intention to offer custody services for cryptocurrency assets, according to a Reuters report on July 17. Russia's Sberbank offers custody services for Russian crypto assets https://t.co/TvWlwh3hrF https://t.co/TvWlwh3hrF — Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) July 17, 2025 The bank’s plan reflects a growing acceptance of crypto within the country, as government institutions reconsider their earlier hardline stance. Anatoly Pronin, executive director of Sberbank’s alternative payment solutions division, revealed that proposals have already been submitted to the central bank outlining how crypto custody could be introduced under existing financial structures, Reuters reports. The proposals suggest treating digital assets similarly to traditional bank-held funds, offering both user protection and legal control. If approved, these custody services would allow tokens to be frozen upon request by law enforcement, while also reducing transaction complexity and lowering vulnerability to hacks. Geopolitical Pressures Drive Regulatory Recalibration Russia’s stance on digital currencies has been shifting in light of sanctions from Western governments tied to the conflict in Ukraine. Last year, the central bank backed legislation allowing the use of cryptocurrencies in cross-border trade, a sharp turn from its previous resistance. This pivot is seen as a way for the Russian economy to circumvent international financial restrictions. By building internal infrastructure for digital asset transactions, including custody solutions, Russian institutions are working to reduce dependence on foreign crypto firms. Gleb Zemskoy, director of blockchain development at Insight Finance, stressed the importance of local custody options, stating that no fund or serious user could operate without one, Reuters reports. He warns of the dangers of relying on international custodians, which could introduce exposure to foreign jurisdiction risks. A Domestic Custodian for a Global Market The central role of custodians in the digital finance world is becoming increasingly apparent. With the custody market currently dominated by private firms based outside of Russia, local entities like Sberbank are positioning themselves to fill that void domestically. Zemskoy describes custodians as the “backbone” of the digital economy, emphasizing the urgency of Russia developing its own infrastructure. Sberbank’s ambition is not only to safeguard clients’ tokens but to integrate crypto asset handling into the country’s broader financial network. If approved, the bank’s initiative could make it easier for businesses and consumers in Russia to conduct crypto transactions with greater trust and regulatory protection. Russian Lawmakers Pass Digital Ruble Bill Earlier this week, Russian lawmakers voted in favour of a digital ruble bill that mandates a September 2026 rollout for the CBDC. Per the state-run news agency TASS , the Duma has adopted a law on the “gradual introduction” of the digital ruble, beginning next year. Lawmakers voted in favor of the bill in its second and third readings. The bill will now pass to the Russian upper house, the Federation Council, for approval. The bill will then pass on to President Vladimir Putin, who will officially sign the bill into law. These two steps are mere formalities, however, with the law slated to come into force on September 1, 2026. This is the central bank’s new date for a nationwide rollout, following its last-gasp decision to postpone its summer 2025 CBDC launch plans.

Author: CryptoNews
Westpac and Australia’s RBA Launch Chainlink-Based Tokenized Asset Settlement Project

Westpac and Australia’s RBA Launch Chainlink-Based Tokenized Asset Settlement Project

Westpac Institutional Bank has partnered with Chainlink and Imperium Markets to implement blockchain-based tokenized asset settlement capabilities through Project Acacia. The Chainlink Runtime Environment will orchestrate secure Delivery vs. Payment (DvP) settlement of tokenized assets across blockchain markets and Australia’s existing PayTo domestic payments system. We are excited to announce that Westpac Institutional Bank ( @Westpac ) and Imperium Markets are implementing Chainlink in Project Acacia, a new joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of Australia and Digital Finance CRC (DFCRC). https://t.co/pLh1i6Vqzy The Chainlink Runtime… pic.twitter.com/hO84SJnVqh — Chainlink (@chainlink) July 17, 2025 Australia’s central bank has estimated that tokenization could save asset issuers up to AUD $12 billion annually in Australian markets. The initiative builds on the RBA’s broader six-month pilot program announced in July , which selected 24 industry participants to conduct 19 real-money transactions and five proof-of-concept simulations across multiple asset classes. Westpac Extends PayTo Infrastructure for Tokenized Asset Transactions Westpac’s proof of concept seeks to demonstrate that the existing PayTo infrastructure can handle the settlement and clearing of large wholesale banking payments required for tokenized asset transactions. PayTo, launched by Westpac in 2024, operates as a digital-first alternative to direct debit payments that enables real-time transactions with enhanced visibility and control for customers. The system settles transactions using banks’ existing exchange settlement accounts with the RBA while offering rich transaction data, verified authorization, and secure storage capabilities. Jeff Byrne, Managing Director of Global Transaction Services at Westpac Institutional Bank, said the bank is “helping the RBA explore what digital currencies could look like in the real world, while giving our customers access to new payment options safely and securely.” Beyond the immediate settlement capabilities, the project extends Westpac’s PayTo capabilities to emerging technologies such as asset tokenization while demonstrating ways to unlock new value while protecting customers. The proof of concept also provides Westpac with an opportunity to test post-quantum cryptography in financial systems, using advanced encryption algorithms designed to resist potential future quantum computer attacks. David Walker, Westpac’s Chief Technology Officer, described the initiative as “a real-world opportunity to learn and create something that will be incredibly important in the future, and something we might need to apply at scale.” Westpac maintains a long-term equity investment in Australian cybersecurity company QuintessenceLabs, which has developed quantum-enhanced cryptography solutions already deployed in defense and large organization applications. Walker stated that “creating the next generation of payments architecture requires the strategic involvement of all the banks, telcos, retailers and governments working together.” The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has granted regulatory relief to facilitate the testing, with project findings expected in the first quarter of 2026. Global Financial Institutions Accelerate Blockchain Infrastructure Development Chainlink has positioned itself at the center of a potential $260 trillion market opportunity through partnerships with major financial institutions to unlock the untokenized assets market via its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol. Earlier this year, Chainlink partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market to develop blockchain standards and explore tokenization frameworks within regulated environments. RedStone’s market analysis also reveals that the tokenized real-world assets market reached $24.31 billion by June 2025, driven by a 260% surge from $8.6 billion at the start of the year, with private credit claiming more than half of the total market value at $14 billion. 📢 #Tokenized #RWA space has reached an ATH of $24.31 billion, moving from a “buzzword into a multi-billion-dollar financial system,” per @redstone_defi , @gauntlet_xyz , and @RWA_xyz . #crypto #blockchain https://t.co/bdsQCS4mwd — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) June 26, 2025 Notably, Australia’s approach contrasts with the restrictive stances some of its major banks have taken toward crypto platforms, with the National Australia Bank blocking payments to certain crypto exchanges in 2023, citing concerns about scams. Project Acacia’s focus on regulated institutional applications could generate AU$19 billion annually in economic gains, according to Professor Talis Putnins from the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre. Organizers have described Australia’s real-money settlement testing on third-party platforms as a world-first for the country in the digital finance industry.

Author: CryptoNews
Russian lawmakers pass digital ruble bill, expected to take effect on September 1, 2026

Russian lawmakers pass digital ruble bill, expected to take effect on September 1, 2026

PANews reported on July 17 that according to Cryptonews, Russian lawmakers voted to pass a digital ruble bill, stipulating that the central bank's digital currency will be launched in September

Author: PANews
How SpacePay Earned Its Spot as the Top Underpriced Altcoin of 2025

How SpacePay Earned Its Spot as the Top Underpriced Altcoin of 2025

Cryptos come and go, but every now and then, one catches attention for actually solving problems people face every day. SpacePay, a London-based fintech startup, lets businesses accept crypto payments through their existing card machines without buying new equipment. The project has pulled in over $1.1 million during its presale, with $SPY tokens selling for.. The post How SpacePay Earned Its Spot as the Top Underpriced Altcoin of 2025 appeared first on 99Bitcoins .

Author: 99Bitcoins
With social networking, payment, and AI all included, will Base APP become “Alipay on the chain”?

With social networking, payment, and AI all included, will Base APP become “Alipay on the chain”?

Author: Yuliya, PANews The Web3 world has always lacked a true super portal, with users switching between different applications, fragmented experience, and dispersed traffic. However, a most powerful competitor has

Author: PANews
Crypto market hits widest institutional-retail investor split since 2023 in H1 2025: Wintermute

Crypto market hits widest institutional-retail investor split since 2023 in H1 2025: Wintermute

In the first half of 2025, crypto market has seen its widest divergence in investor focus since 2023, with institutions doubling down on majors while retail pivots to altcoins. According to Wintermute’s 1H 2025 OTC Market Report, institutions have doubled…

Author: Crypto.news
GameStop may accept crypto payments for trading card purchases: report

GameStop may accept crypto payments for trading card purchases: report

GameStop, the American video game retailer, will consider accepting cryptocurrencies as payment for trading card purchases, according to the company’s CEO, Ryan Cohen. During his latest appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Cohen said the company is exploring the use of crypto…

Author: Crypto.news
Pandu Bitcoin ETF will be listed on July 18, becoming the first similar product in Hong Kong this year

Pandu Bitcoin ETF will be listed on July 18, becoming the first similar product in Hong Kong this year

PANews reported on July 16 that according to Sina Finance, Pandu Co., Ltd. announced that its Pandu Bitcoin ETF ( 02818.HK ) will be officially listed on the Hong Kong

Author: PANews
Introducing 24/7 Automated Income Streams for XRP Holders – Powered by Blockchain Cloud Mining

Introducing 24/7 Automated Income Streams for XRP Holders – Powered by Blockchain Cloud Mining

July 14, 2025 – As Bitcoin surges past $120,000 and global interest in cryptocurrency continues to rise, BlockchainCloudMining is emerging as a game-changing solution for XRP holders looking to generate automated, stable income streams without the complexities of traditional mining setups. With demand for low-risk, hands-free crypto investments reaching record highs, XRP is now more than just a trading token – it’s becoming a gateway to real-time earnings through BlockchainCloudMining’s advanced cloud-based infrastructure. A Seamless Mining Experience with XRP BlockchainCloudMining enables users to rent mining power from high-performance data centers worldwide. By leveraging XRP’s fast settlement and ultra-low transaction fees, users can activate mining contracts and start earning daily payouts within 24 hours – no hardware, noise, or technical know-how required. “XRP integration has supercharged our platform’s accessibility,” said the Head of Strategy at BlockchainCloudMining. “We’re seeing rapid adoption in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. XRP holders can activate contracts in seconds and withdraw profits as soon as the next day.” Popular Mining Contracts Cater to All Investors BlockchainCloudMining offers a range of plug-and-play contract options to match various budget levels, Some of the most popular options include : New User Experience Contract : $100 for 2 days; total return: $106 WhatsMiner M66S : $500 for 7 days; total return: $545.50 WhatsMiner M60 : $1,000 for 14 days; total return: $1,196 Bitcoin Miner S21+ : $3,000 for 20 days; total return: $3,900 ALPH Miner AL1 : $10,000 for 35 days; total return: $15,950 ANTSPACE HK3 : $33,000 for 40 days; total return: $59,400 All contracts start generating income the day after payment confirmation, and users may withdraw profits to their crypto wallets or reinvest in new contracts. Platform Benefits at a Glance Free $12 sign-up bonus Daily payouts and high profit margins No service or maintenance fees Supports 9+ major cryptocurrencies including XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, SOL, BCH, USDC, and USDT Enterprise-grade security powered by McAfee® and Cloudflare® 24/7 global support and 100% uptime guarantee Lucrative referral program offering up to $50,000 in bonuses A Safer Alternative in a Volatile Market As crypto investors look for stability beyond speculation, BlockchainCloudMining provides a credible alternative. With XRP as a frictionless on-ramp, users now have a transparent, secure, and profitable way to turn dormant crypto into a 24/7 income stream. Media Contact Website: www.blockchaincloudmining.com Email: info@blockchaincloudmining.com

Author: CryptoNews
Deribit Launches New Rewards Program for Eligible USDC Holders

Deribit Launches New Rewards Program for Eligible USDC Holders

PANews reported on July 15 that according to CoinDesk, the cryptocurrency options exchange Deribit announced a new reward program for eligible USDC holders, aiming to provide users with more collateral

Author: PANews