Hong Kong Stablecoin License: Animoca Brands and Partners Make a Groundbreaking Move

BitcoinWorld Hong Kong Stablecoin License: Animoca Brands and Partners Make a Groundbreaking Move The world of digital finance is buzzing with exciting news! A groundbreaking collaboration has emerged, poised to shape the future of digital assets in Asia. Animoca Brands, a leader in Web3 and gaming, has joined forces with Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong (SCBHK) and telecom giant HKT to form a new joint venture, Anchorpoint Financial. Their mission? To develop a regulated stablecoin business and, critically, to secure a Hong Kong stablecoin license . This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the region’s evolving crypto landscape. What is Anchorpoint Financial and Its Mission? Anchorpoint Financial represents a powerful alliance between diverse industry leaders. This joint venture brings together Animoca Brands’ deep expertise in blockchain and digital entertainment, SCBHK’s robust financial infrastructure and regulatory experience, and HKT’s extensive telecommunications network. Their collective goal is clear: to establish a compliant and innovative regulated stablecoin ecosystem within Hong Kong. The venture officially submitted its application for a stablecoin issuer license to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on August 1. This date is significant because it coincided with the effective date of Hong Kong’s new Stablecoins Ordinance, signaling their readiness to operate within the new regulatory framework from day one. Why is a Hong Kong Stablecoin License So Crucial? Hong Kong has been proactively positioning itself as a global hub for virtual assets, and the introduction of its Stablecoins Ordinance is a testament to this ambition. Securing a Hong Kong stablecoin license under this new framework is not just a formality; it represents a stamp of approval, indicating adherence to stringent regulatory standards. This move can: Foster Trust: A regulated environment builds confidence among institutional and retail investors. Attract Investment: Clear rules attract more traditional financial players and capital into the digital asset space. Promote Stability: Regulated stablecoins are designed to maintain their peg, offering a more reliable medium for transactions and value storage. This proactive approach to digital asset regulation Hong Kong is setting a benchmark for other jurisdictions. How Does This Benefit Animoca Brands’ Vision? For Animoca Brands, this venture into regulated stablecoins is a natural, yet significant, evolution. Known for its extensive portfolio in blockchain gaming, NFTs, and the metaverse, Animoca Brands is now extending its influence into the foundational layer of Web3 finance. The development of an Animoca Brands stablecoin through Anchorpoint Financial can: Enhance Ecosystem Utility: Provide a stable, regulated currency for transactions within their vast Web3 ecosystem. Bridge Traditional Finance: Create a compliant on-ramp and off-ramp for users and businesses, connecting the crypto world with traditional banking. Drive Mainstream Adoption: By offering a regulated product, they can appeal to a broader audience who might be hesitant about unregulated cryptocurrencies. This strategic diversification reinforces Animoca Brands’ commitment to building a comprehensive digital future. What Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead for Anchorpoint Financial? While the prospect of a Hong Kong stablecoin license is exciting, Anchorpoint Financial will navigate various challenges and seize significant opportunities. The regulatory landscape, though clearer, will continue to evolve. Ensuring robust compliance, managing technological complexities, and building market adoption will be key. However, the opportunities are immense: First-Mover Advantage: Being among the first to secure a license in Hong Kong offers a significant competitive edge. Global Reach: A successful model in Hong Kong could serve as a blueprint for expansion into other regulated markets. Innovation Hub: The venture can become a hub for stablecoin innovation, exploring new use cases beyond basic transactions, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and cross-border payments. Their success could pave the way for further institutional adoption of digital assets in the region. The formation of Anchorpoint Financial and its pursuit of a Hong Kong stablecoin license represents a pivotal moment for both the individual entities involved and the broader digital asset industry. This collaborative effort by Animoca Brands, SCBHK, and HKT highlights a growing trend: the convergence of traditional finance with innovative blockchain technology under clear regulatory guidance. As Hong Kong solidifies its position as a leading crypto hub with strong digital asset regulation Hong Kong , initiatives like this are crucial in fostering trust, driving adoption, and building a more robust and compliant digital economy. The future of regulated digital assets looks incredibly promising. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is Anchorpoint Financial? Anchorpoint Financial is a joint venture formed by Animoca Brands, Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong (SCBHK), and HKT. Its primary goal is to develop and operate a regulated stablecoin business in Hong Kong. 2. What is the significance of the Hong Kong Stablecoins Ordinance? The Stablecoins Ordinance is Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers. It aims to provide clarity and oversight, ensuring consumer protection and financial stability within the digital asset space. Anchorpoint Financial submitted its license application on the day the ordinance took effect. 3. Why are Animoca Brands, SCBHK, and HKT collaborating on this? This collaboration brings together diverse strengths: Animoca Brands’ Web3 and blockchain expertise, SCBHK’s traditional financial infrastructure and regulatory experience, and HKT’s extensive telecom network. Together, they aim to build a robust and compliant stablecoin ecosystem. 4. What does a stablecoin license mean for users? A stablecoin license from the HKMA means that the stablecoin issuer operates under regulatory supervision. This can lead to increased trust, transparency, and stability for users, potentially reducing risks associated with unregulated digital assets. 5. How does this initiative contribute to Hong Kong’s crypto hub ambitions? By establishing a regulated stablecoin framework and attracting key players like Animoca Brands and Standard Chartered, Hong Kong reinforces its commitment to becoming a global hub for virtual assets. This fosters innovation, attracts investment, and sets a precedent for responsible digital asset development. Did you find this article insightful? Share this important news with your network on social media and help us spread awareness about the exciting developments in Hong Kong’s digital asset landscape! To learn more about the latest explore our article on key developments shaping the crypto market institutional adoption. This post Hong Kong Stablecoin License: Animoca Brands and Partners Make a Groundbreaking Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

Read more

Dogecoin Price Drops 5%—Analysts Warn XRP and Shiba Inu Could Be Next

Dogecoin (DOGE) took a sharp hit in early August, falling nearly 5% in 24 hours and extending a broader 12% decline over the past week. Heavy sell-offs pushed DOGE below the $0.205 support mark, triggering a spike in trading volume—at one point reaching nearly 878 million tokens exchanged in a single session. The intense volume suggests institutional exits and broader market risk aversion are both in play. Historically, August has not been kind to DOGE. Median monthly returns have been negative for three years in a row. This time is no different, with some analysts warning of further losses toward $0.185 unless DOGE reclaims key levels quickly. As bearish sentiment lingers, attention is turning to other top meme coins like XRP and SHIBA INU, where similar vulnerabilities are forming. Amid these negative trends, Analysts have shown positivity towards emerging alts like MAGACOIN FINANCE. XRP Struggles to Stay Above $3.00 XRP, Ripple’s flagship token, has remained a top performer in 2025 thanks to regulatory clarity, but recent price action suggests trouble may be brewing. After rebounding from a $2.80 low, XRP is once again stuck under resistance at $3.09, with support forming just below at $2.91. Analysts note that large short positions—along with sharp $50M+ whale transfers—are introducing instability. Market models suggest XRP could swing between $2.94 and $3.39 in August, but some are betting on a breakout to $4.45 if conditions turn favorable. Still, the immediate outlook remains cloudy unless volume increases and institutional sentiment recovers. A drop below $2.91 would likely trigger cascading sell-offs. SHIB Faces Ongoing Sell Pressure Despite Burns Shiba Inu (SHIB) is also under pressure. The token is hovering around $0.0000122, down more than 35% year-to-date and nearly 8% in the past day alone. Even with over 600 million tokens burned recently, sellers continue to dominate. The bearish trend has remained intact for months. Technical charts offer some hope: if SHIB can break above $0.000013 resistance, it could rally 24% to $0.000015. But with crypto-linked stocks falling and speculative capital pulling back, traders remain cautious. Most analyst models predict further weakness before any meaningful upside returns. Bullish Momentum Switches To High Growth Altcoins As DOGE, XRP, and SHIB face uncertain short-term outlooks, a rising number of investors are looking to newer assets with strong foundations and upside potential. MAGACOIN FINANCE is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about names in altcoin circles. MAGACOIN FINANCE is fully audited, security-verified , and attracting a growing global community. The project’s security-first architecture and zero-tax model are drawing both whales and early investors alike. With the presale still active and a structured roadmap already underway, MAGACOIN FINANCE offers an increasingly rare chance for conviction-based entry—especially amid altcoin uncertainty. Conclusion: Market Uncertainty Builds as Whales Reposition The meme coin market is at a crossroads. DOGE is slipping, XRP is coiling for a big move, and SHIB remains locked in bearish momentum. While short-term pain persists, long-term opportunity is quietly shifting toward newer, more resilient ecosystems. MAGACOIN FINANCE is emerging as a compelling pick for long-term gains—especially as major players rotate capital toward high-conviction altcoins with real traction. To learn more about MAGACOIN FINANCE, visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Telegram: https://t.me/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Dogecoin Price Drops 5%—Analysts Warn XRP and Shiba Inu Could Be Next

Read more

Bybit K/USDT Listing: Unlocking Exciting New Trading Opportunities!

BitcoinWorld Bybit K/USDT Listing: Unlocking Exciting New Trading Opportunities! Get ready for some exciting news in the crypto world! Bybit, one of the leading global cryptocurrency exchanges, has just made an important announcement. They are officially opening spot trading for the Sidekick (K) token, paired with USDT, very soon. This Bybit K/USDT listing marks a significant moment for traders looking to diversify their portfolios with new crypto assets. The official word from Bybit’s website confirms that the K/USDT spot trading pair will go live on August 8 at 08:00 UTC. This move provides a fresh opportunity for crypto enthusiasts to engage with a potentially promising digital asset. As always, staying informed about such listings is crucial for making timely trading decisions. What Does the Bybit K/USDT Listing Mean for Traders? When a major exchange like Bybit lists a new token, it often brings increased visibility and liquidity to the project. For Sidekick (K), this means a broader audience of traders will gain access to it, potentially leading to more robust price discovery. Traders on Bybit will soon be able to buy and sell K tokens directly against USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, offering a straightforward way to participate in Sidekick (K) trading . This K crypto listing on Bybit allows both experienced and new traders to add Sidekick (K) to their investment strategies. Spot trading is generally preferred by those who want to directly own the asset and benefit from its price movements over time. It’s a fundamental way to interact with digital currencies. How Can You Prepare for Sidekick (K) Trading on Bybit? Preparing for a new token listing can give you an edge. Here are a few actionable insights to consider before the Bybit spot trading goes live: Fund Your Account: Ensure you have sufficient USDT in your Bybit spot account. This will allow you to quickly enter trades once the listing begins. Research Sidekick (K): While specific details about Sidekick (K) may be emerging, understanding its utility, team, and community can help you make informed decisions. Look for official project documentation or whitepapers. Understand Market Dynamics: New listings can be volatile. Prices might swing significantly in the initial hours or days. Consider starting with smaller positions to gauge market sentiment. Set Trading Strategies: Decide on your entry and exit points. Will you buy at market open, or wait for potential dips? Having a plan is key. Being prepared ensures you can react swiftly to market changes and capitalize on opportunities presented by this new addition to the Bybit spot trading ecosystem. Potential Benefits and Challenges of New Crypto Assets The introduction of new crypto assets like Sidekick (K) on platforms like Bybit comes with both exciting benefits and inherent challenges: Benefits: Diversification: Adding new tokens can help diversify a crypto portfolio, spreading risk across different assets. Early Adoption Potential: Getting in early on a promising project can lead to significant returns if the project gains traction. Innovation Exposure: New listings often represent innovative projects in the blockchain space, offering exposure to cutting-edge technology. Challenges: Volatility: New tokens can experience extreme price fluctuations, making them risky. Limited Information: Sometimes, comprehensive data or a long price history for new assets is scarce, making fundamental analysis difficult. Liquidity Issues: While Bybit’s listing helps, very new tokens might still have lower liquidity initially compared to established cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it is always recommended to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in Sidekick (K) trading or any other new crypto asset. The Future of Bybit Spot Trading and Sidekick (K) The continuous addition of tokens like Sidekick (K) underscores Bybit’s commitment to expanding its offerings and providing users with a wide range of trading options. This proactive approach helps keep the exchange competitive and attractive to a global user base. The Bybit K/USDT listing is just one example of how exchanges are constantly evolving to meet market demand for new and innovative digital assets. For Sidekick (K), being listed on a reputable platform like Bybit provides a strong foundation for its future growth and adoption. It opens doors for greater community engagement and potential partnerships within the broader crypto ecosystem. As the August 8 launch date approaches, traders will be keenly watching the market for opportunities. In conclusion, the upcoming Bybit K/USDT listing on August 8 is a notable event for the cryptocurrency community. It offers traders an exciting opportunity to engage with Sidekick (K), a new digital asset, through Bybit’s robust spot trading platform. Remember to conduct your own research, manage risks effectively, and stay informed to navigate the dynamic world of crypto trading successfully. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the exact date and time for the Bybit K/USDT listing? A1: The K/USDT spot trading pair will be listed on August 8 at 08:00 UTC. Q2: What is Sidekick (K)? A2: Sidekick (K) is a new digital asset that Bybit is listing. While specific project details should be researched from official sources, it represents an emerging cryptocurrency available for trading. Q3: How can I trade Sidekick (K) on Bybit? A3: You will be able to trade Sidekick (K) against USDT (Tether) in the spot trading section of the Bybit exchange once the listing goes live. Q4: Is trading new crypto assets like Sidekick (K) risky? A4: Yes, trading new crypto assets can be highly volatile and carries significant risks due to price fluctuations and sometimes limited historical data. Always conduct thorough research and manage your risk exposure. Q5: Do I need a Bybit account to trade K/USDT? A5: Yes, you will need an active Bybit account and sufficient USDT in your spot wallet to participate in Sidekick (K) trading. Share this exciting news with your network! Let your friends and fellow crypto enthusiasts know about the upcoming Bybit K/USDT listing by sharing this article on your social media channels. Your insights can help others stay ahead in the fast-paced crypto market. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping new crypto assets price action. This post Bybit K/USDT Listing: Unlocking Exciting New Trading Opportunities! first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

Read more

XRP Bull Flag Points to $8 as Ripple-SEC Case Reaches End

XRP smashed resistance barriers as trading volume hit 300 million during peak institutional buying surge, with bullish chart patterns and a landmark legal resolution fueling upside bets. The rally combines technical breakout pressure with a significant shift in the token’s fundamental narrative. The SEC settlement eliminates a multi-year litigation drag, potentially unlocking greater institutional participation in U.S. markets. Price action shows heavy accumulation above $3.10, followed by consolidation above $3.30 — suggesting strong conviction among buyers even after the initial spike. The ETF filing from SBI adds a parallel demand driver, positioning XRP for higher beta moves if spot Bitcoin ETF inflows continue. Technical Analysis Overview XRP explodes 11% higher in the 24-hour period ending August 8, rocketing from $2.99 to $3.30 in a blistering rally. The digital asset accelerates most aggressively between 19:00-22:00, obliterating multiple resistance levels. Trading volume erupts past 300 million at 21:00 alone. The session spans a $0.35 range, marking 12% volatility from $2.97 lows to $3.33 peaks. New resistance forms at $3.33. Strong demand emerges above $3.10 in the session's final hours. News Background The Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple Labs have jointly ended their appeals in the high-profile XRP lawsuit, concluding a multi-year legal battle that has clouded the token’s outlook since 2020. In a Thursday filing, the Second Circuit Appeals Court recognized the dismissal, with both sides agreeing to bear their own costs and fees. “Following the Commission’s vote today, the SEC and Ripple formally filed directly with the Second Circuit to dismiss their appeals,” Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty said on X. The resolution removes a major regulatory overhang for XRP, coming alongside other bullish developments such as Japan’s SBI Holdings filing to launch a Bitcoin-XRP ETF. Price Action Summary • XRP surges 11% from August 7 01:00 to August 8 00:00, blasting from $2.99 to $3.30 on explosive 300 million volume • Token consolidates in tight $0.04 band between $3.30-$3.33 during August 7 23:42 to August 8 00:41 window • Bull flag formations point to $8.00-$15.00 breakout targets as legal resolution clears path for institutional entry Technical Indicators Analysis • Volume explodes past 300 million at 21:00, signaling heavy institutional accumulation • Bull flag formations point to $8.00-$15.00 breakout targets over longer horizons • Fresh resistance locks in at $3.33 with volume confirmation • Key support zone holds firm above $3.30 during consolidation • Evening hours see multiple resistance breaks between 19:00-22:00 • Volume-backed demand materializes above $3.10 in session's back half What Traders Are Watching • Follow-through buying from U.S. institutions now that litigation risk has cleared • ETF approval timelines in Japan and potential filings in other markets • Retest of $3.33 resistance and possible breakout toward $3.65 near-term target • Retail re-engagement after legal victory headlines

Read more

Ripple’s Legal Dispute with SEC Concludes: What This Means for XRP’s Future

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! The legal dispute

Read more

World Liberty Financial Launches USD1 Points Program—Exchanges Ready to Accelerate Adoption

World Liberty Financial is unleashing a sweeping multi-exchange rewards push tied to USD1, setting the stage for crypto’s boldest loyalty rollout and sparking fierce competition across platforms. WLFI Ignites Multi-Exchange USD1 Rewards—Could This Trigger a Loyalty Arms Race? World Liberty Financial (WLFI) announced on social media platform X on Aug. 7 that it is preparing

Read more

Ether’s Recent Gains May Signal Potential Altcoin Rally Amid Mixed Trader Sentiment

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! Ether’s recent gains

Read more

Lugano Plan ₿ Forum 2025: Exploring Bitcoin’s Future in Global Economics and Financial Sovereignty

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! The Lugano Plan

Read more

Massive Crypto Perpetual Futures Liquidation: A 24-Hour Shockwave

BitcoinWorld Massive Crypto Perpetual Futures Liquidation: A 24-Hour Shockwave In the fast-paced world of digital assets, understanding market movements is absolutely crucial. Today, we’re diving deep into the recent crypto perpetual futures liquidation data from the past 24 hours. This breakdown reveals significant shifts and offers key insights into market sentiment, especially concerning short positions across major cryptocurrencies. Let’s uncover what these numbers truly mean for traders and investors alike. Understanding Crypto Perpetual Futures Trading and Liquidations What exactly are perpetual futures, and why does their liquidation matter so much? Perpetual futures are a type of derivative contract that allows traders to speculate on the future price of a cryptocurrency without owning the underlying asset. Unlike traditional futures, they have no expiry date, making them highly popular for continuous trading. However, they come with significant risk, primarily due to leverage. A crypto liquidation occurs when a trader’s leveraged position is forcibly closed by an exchange. This happens because the trader’s margin (collateral) falls below a required level, usually due to adverse price movements. When a position is liquidated, the trader loses their initial margin and any remaining funds in that position. It’s a stark reminder of the volatility inherent in perpetual futures trading . Over the last 24 hours, the market witnessed a substantial wave of liquidations, particularly impacting short positions. Here’s a quick look at the breakdown: BTC: $53.67 million, Short 84.36% ETH: $175.24 million, Short 87.83% XRP: $24.36 million, Short 76.80% These figures highlight a clear trend: the vast majority of liquidated positions were short bets, meaning traders were betting on prices to fall. When prices unexpectedly rose, these short positions were squeezed, leading to forced closures. This phenomenon, known as a ‘short squeeze,’ can further fuel upward price momentum as liquidations force traders to buy back assets to cover their positions. Why Did So Many Short Liquidations Occur? The high percentage of short liquidations indicates a market that moved against the expectations of many bearish traders. This often happens during periods of unexpected positive price action or when a significant number of traders are over-leveraged on the short side. When a sudden upward price movement occurs, these leveraged short positions quickly become unprofitable, triggering margin calls. For instance, the substantial Bitcoin Ethereum liquidation figures show that even major assets are susceptible to these rapid market shifts. Traders often use high leverage (e.g., 10x, 20x, or even 100x) in perpetual futures to amplify potential gains. However, this also magnifies losses, making even small price movements potentially catastrophic. A tiny price increase against a highly leveraged short position can wipe out an entire account. Understanding these dynamics is vital for anyone participating in the crypto market. Liquidations are not just isolated events; they can create ripple effects, increasing market volatility and sometimes leading to cascade effects where one liquidation triggers another. Navigating the Volatile Waters: Actionable Insights for Traders Given the significant crypto perpetual futures liquidation activity, what can traders do to protect themselves? First and foremost, risk management is paramount. While leverage offers the allure of amplified profits, it demands extreme caution. Consider using lower leverage, especially if you are new to perpetual futures trading or if market conditions are highly volatile. Moreover, always implement strict stop-loss orders. A stop-loss order automatically closes your position when the price reaches a predetermined level, limiting your potential losses. This is a fundamental tool for managing risk in any leveraged trading scenario. Understanding market sentiment and not blindly following the crowd can also provide an edge. Sometimes, the majority’s position becomes the most vulnerable. Finally, continuous learning about market indicators and technical analysis can help you make more informed decisions. Staying updated on news and macroeconomic factors that influence crypto prices is also crucial. Remember, the goal is not just to make profits but to preserve capital. Conclusion: A Clear Picture of Market Dynamics The recent 24-hour crypto perpetual futures liquidation data paints a vivid picture of market volatility and the inherent risks of leveraged trading. The overwhelming dominance of short liquidations across BTC, ETH, and XRP underscores the power of unexpected market movements and the consequences of over-leveraging. For traders, these events serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of robust risk management strategies and a deep understanding of market mechanics. By learning from these breakdowns, participants can better navigate the unpredictable currents of the cryptocurrency market. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is crypto perpetual futures liquidation? Crypto perpetual futures liquidation is the forced closure of a trader’s leveraged position by an exchange when their margin falls below a certain threshold due to adverse price movements. This prevents further losses for the exchange. Why do traders use perpetual futures? Traders use perpetual futures to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. They can also use leverage to amplify potential gains, although this significantly increases risk. What is a ‘short liquidation’ and why is it significant? A short liquidation occurs when a trader who bet on a price decrease (a ‘short’ position) is forced to close their position because the price unexpectedly increased. It’s significant because a large number of short liquidations can trigger a ‘short squeeze,’ pushing prices even higher as traders are forced to buy back assets. How can traders avoid liquidation? Traders can avoid liquidation by using lower leverage, maintaining sufficient margin in their accounts, and implementing strict stop-loss orders to automatically close positions before they reach the liquidation threshold. Does high crypto perpetual futures liquidation indicate a market top or bottom? High liquidation volumes, especially of one side (e.g., short positions), often indicate a significant price reversal or strong trend continuation. While not definitive, large liquidations can signal exhaustion of a particular market sentiment, potentially leading to a temporary bottom (after a short squeeze) or top (after a long squeeze). If you found this breakdown insightful, please share it with your network! Understanding crypto perpetual futures liquidation is vital for anyone engaging in leveraged trading, and sharing this knowledge helps foster a more informed crypto community on social media. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum Bitcoin price action. This post Massive Crypto Perpetual Futures Liquidation: A 24-Hour Shockwave first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

Read more

XRP Surges 12% as Traders Bet on Big Price Swings with 'Straddle' Strategy

Payments-focused cryptocurrency XRP (XRP) has surged 12% over the past 24 hours, outperforming both bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH). This double-digit gain has lifted XRP's price to $3.32, its highest level since July 28. The price upswing has been underpinned by sophisticated, anticipatory block option trades on Deribit, involving a bullish bet on volatility. Block trades are large transactions executed over-the-counter and outside of the public order book to minimise their impact on the prevailing market price of an asset. The first block trade executed Thursday involved the simultaneous purchase of 100,000 contracts of the Aug. 29 expiry call and put options at the $3.20 strike. The trader paid over $416,000 in premiums for the so-called long straddle strategy, which stands to profit from wild swings in either direction. A similar large straddle was also booked at the $3.10 strike. The large non-directional flow points to growing institutional interest in XRP, Deribit's Asia Business Head Lin Chen told CoinDesk. "XRP has outperformed BTC this year, and we are now seeing a surge in block trades and institutional interest in XRP options. We have also launched year-end XRP options to cater to this demand," Chen said. Traders use straddles when anticipating a major volatility event – such as a big earnings report, a key court ruling, or a significant product launch – but are uncertain whether the impact would be bullish or bearish. The risk-reward profile of a long straddle is defined by unlimited profit potential and limited risk. Coincidentally, on Thursday, the Securities Exchange Commission and Ripple jointly agreed to drop their appeals in the Second Circuit court case, bringing to an end to a prolonged legal tussle. Ripple uses XRP in faciliating cross-border transactions. Limited loss, unlimited gain strategy The maximum loss in long straddles is capped at the total premium paid for both the call and the put. The maximum profit, however, is unlimited as the price can theoretically move up or down indefinitely. To break even, the price must move in either direction by an amount equal to the total premium paid. Options are derivative contracts designed to protect traders from bullish or bearish volatility. A call option provides cover against uptrends in the underlying asset, while a put option offers insurance against market swoons.

Read more