Commentary
The Spread: It Takes Two to Contango
This week on The Spread – low natural gas prices lead to an increase in swaptions trading, the CME has another successful launch, and a Binance-backed exchange boasts a ton of trading volume.
Nothing Learned from the CFTC Bullying a Win in the Thakkar Case
If Jitesh Thakkar loses his case brought by the Enforcement Division of the CFTC, it will not be because the facts in the case are damning against him. It will be because the CFTC has bled Thakkar and his family and friends dry of the financial resources and the will to persevere. It will be because the CFTC’s tactic of drawing out the process and the costs for deposing him, former employees and even customers became too much for Thakkar to endure.
CryptoMarketsWiki Podcast Ep. 7: Buy the Dip! Featuring: Thom Thompson, editor at JLN
JLN Editor Thom Thompson has decades of experience working in the financial markets in both the U.S. and Europe. These days, he uses his expertise to explain the cryptocurrency markets, especially the burgeoning cryptocurrency derivatives to JLN’s readers. In this episode of the CMW Podcast, Thom joins Matt in the studio to discuss the most notable moments in the cryptocurrency markets in 2019.
Out with the old…
This week on The Spread, as we say goodbye to the 2010s, we take a look at a few changes coming ’round the bend.
Martin Hollander Reflections
John Lothian News asked several former colleagues of Martin Hollander’s to offer reflections on his life. Martin and his family were killed in the volcanic eruption on White Island near New Zealand.
Keeping up with a growing industry: Trabue Bland of ICE Futures U.S.
Trabue Bland, president of ICE Futures U.S., discussed the growth of the FANG+ Index Futures, the impact of zero or low interest rates on ICE's clearing members and other market participants, how traders use data now compared to decades ago, and more at...
Turbulence at the #1 Bitcoin SEF in the World
In the middle of Monday afternoon, the board of directors of LedgerX Holdings announced with a press release that each in the husband and wife team of Paul and Juthica Chou had been put on administrative leave from their roles as CEO and president, respectively.
Regulator Rumble
This week on The Spread – Bakkt’s CEO heads to Washington, the VIX perks up for the first time since October, and regulators debate over who has jurisdiction over SPIKES futures trading on MGEX.
Grayscale wants digital asset regulators and investors to get along
When you lose your digital assets, there isn’t exactly a 1-800 number you can call to seek legal recompense. It’s still the Wild West in a lot of ways...investors still get scammed, the heads of new platforms are still getting pinched for running unregistered...
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the CFTC Case Against Jitesh Thakkar, Part 2
The Cost to the MarketsIf there was a new prescriptive regulation from the CFTC that said every line of code written for any trading software must be documented as to its purpose and intent, there would be a hew and cry from the industry about the cost versus benefit...
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the CFTC Case Against Jitesh Thakkar, Part I
Cost-benefit analysis is an important part of the regulatory process and even more so after Dodd-Frank became the law of the land. The CFTC does not have an unlimited budget, though it is attempting to throw the legal version of the kitchen sink at Jitesh...
Back in Court with Bcause – Year End Report
Wednesday was the last hearing scheduled for this year for the Bcause bankruptcy. The next court date is January 7 when the bankruptcy trustee’s disposition of Bcause’s remaining “asset,” the spot market, will be presented to the court.
FIA EXPO – Another Perspective on Day Two
Day Two of EXPO provided enough time for at least three substantive and engaging sessions in its short format. On Friday, my colleague Suzanne Cosgrove reported on one of the conference’s last panels regarding replacements for the dysfunctional IBOR...
FIA Expo Day Two: Alternatives to LIBOR
Transitions, disruptions and outright change are not new to the futures and options industry, but at this year’s FIA Expo, those themes seemed to loom especially large. One of the biggest changes the industry is facing is the transition from LIBOR to other...
FIA EXPO Day One Overview
FIA EXPO rolled into the Hilton on South Michigan Avenue Tuesday night as it does about this time every year. Ending midway through Thursday afternoon, it seems shorter this year, with fewer sessions, attendees and exhibitors.EXPO 2019 is...
John Lothian Newsletter
Today's Newsletter
The index providers are quietly building up enormous powers; The Dog That Didn’t Bark: What Soybean Prices Say About Trade Deal
First ReadHits & TakesBy JLN StaffToday is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in the U.S. and JLN will not be publishing its Options Newsletter today. In fact, after JLN goes out, the team has the rest of the day off, or you could say after JLN...
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JLN Options Newsletter
Today’s Newsletter
Global Futures and Options Trading Reaches Record Level in 2019; Volatility-Targeting Funds Leverage Up at Fastest Since ‘18 Rout
Observations & Insight Cboe tweeted yesterday that average daily volume for FLEX options in 2019 hit record highs, surpassing the record set in 2018 by 49,408 contracts.~MR Lead Stories Global Futures and Options Trading Reaches Record Level in 2019...
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