Listed Derivatives

Definition ∞ Listed Derivatives are financial contracts, such as futures or options, that are traded on regulated exchanges and have standardized terms and conditions. These instruments derive their value from an underlying asset, like a cryptocurrency, and allow participants to hedge risk or speculate on price movements. Their exchange-traded nature provides transparency, liquidity, and central clearing.
Context ∞ The emergence of listed derivatives for cryptocurrencies represents a significant step towards legitimizing digital assets within traditional financial markets. A key discussion involves the regulatory oversight of these products and their impact on market stability and price discovery. Future developments include the expansion of available listed derivative products to cover a wider range of digital assets and the increasing participation of institutional investors seeking regulated exposure.