Definition ∞ Put options are financial contracts that grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell an asset at a specified price by a certain date. In crypto markets, these options allow investors to hedge against potential price declines of a digital asset or to speculate on downward price movements. The holder profits if the asset’s market price falls below the strike price before expiration. They serve as a risk management tool and a means for directional trading.
Context ∞ The current discussion surrounding put options in crypto markets centers on their increasing availability on both centralized and decentralized derivatives platforms. A key debate involves the regulatory oversight of these complex financial instruments and their potential impact on market volatility. Future developments will likely involve standardized contract specifications and enhanced liquidity for crypto options trading.
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