Show HN: Bitcoin derivatives – call and put options

Re:Show HN: Bitcoin derivatives – call and put options by noname123 on Monday March 24, 2014 @05:32PM (#7461704)

Why 20% for puts? Although loss for puts is capped at 100% of margin value, BTC is as much liable to go up 20% or 20% in a short period of time.

How often is margin calculation done? And what is the time period allowed for option sellers to cover their margin?

Also, what happens if my counterparty can't pay? Is the exchange going to step in and guarantee the trade?

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Re:Show HN: Bitcoin derivatives – call and put options by ciscoriordan on Monday March 24, 2014 @05:49PM (#7461867)

The margin is a percentage of the underlying Bitcoin. So no margin calls.

If your counterparty can't pay, then you get the full value of their margin account for that trade (plus the premium payment, which you already received) and no more.

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Re:Show HN: Bitcoin derivatives – call and put options by noname123 on Monday March 24, 2014 @06:04PM (#7461971)

I see. Let's suppose I own a 1 contract (x100 BTC multiplier) of BTC/USD put contract at strike price $100 BTC/USD when BTC is trading at $100 USD with expiration two months from today (an at the money put). As part of initial margin requirement to enter the trade, the seller has to put down 20 BTC or cash equivalent of $2,000.

Suppose BTC drops 40% in value or $60 in one month, now the notional value of my BTC contract should be $40/BTC or $4,000/contract. Not only does 20 BTC valued at the original value of $2,000 no longer cover the mark-to-market value of my put contract, its market value at $1,200 covers even less that requirement.

Now suppose I'm nervous because I'm sitting on a contract that should be worth 4K when the collateral of my counterparty is only worth 1.2K. Also since I bought a put which means that I'm betting against BTC, that would only make me more nervous about counter-party risk; and I'd demand my counter-party to put up more collateral.

However, if the exchange isn't willing to extract from my counter-party and isn't willing to step in. Then, I have no confidence in such a market.

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