Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events; the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume; and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

After mostly trading sideways at the end of April 2025, a US-UK trade deal sparked a crypto rally. BTC surged past $100K for the first time since February, but it’s ETH's performance that captured the derivatives market's attention. 

A 23% increase in ETH's spot price led to an inverted term structure and a spike in front-end volatility. The put/call skew for ETH shifted from a bearish bias to a nearly 10% skew toward OTM calls. Other sentiment indicators, such as perp funding rates and futures yield, also supported the rally. In contrast, while BTC's funding rates and skew have increased, its implied volatility remains low at 40%, over 30 points below ETH's 7-day implied volatility.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

ETH’s record performance since 2021 was propelled by positive term structure

ETH has significantly outperformed BTC and the top 10 cryptocurrencies, marking its largest single-day gain since May 2021. The options market has reflected this enthusiasm, with implied volatility for short tenors rising sharply and inverting ETH’s term structure, thus contrasting with BTC's muted, positively sloped structure. The 7-day tenor for ETH is now trading at a 33-point premium over that for BTC. 

While puts dominate BTC's open interest, ETH is seeing the opposite trend. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged over $120M, more than double the typical monthly volume, with $60M more in calls than puts. ETH now boasts a positive futures curve and funding rates, as well as a strong skew toward OTM calls.

ETH sees exceptionally bullish put/call skew

ETH's substantial outperformance in the current crypto rally has led to bullish sentiment in its derivatives markets. Funding rates have surged, futures yields are strongly positive and the put/call skew has shifted significantly toward OTM calls, now close to 10%. This starkly contrasts with early April, when the skew was 20% toward OTM puts. Although ETH has underperformed (relative to BTC and other "ETH killers"), it has rebounded in this rally, with the ETH/BTC ratio rising after spending most of the year declining.

Open interest for Bitcoin options increased, with implied volatility remaining suppressed

The announcement of the new US administration's first trade deal, nearly 30 days into Trump's 90-day tariff pause, jolted crypto markets, pushing BTC back up above $100K. Surprisingly, implied volatility has remained suppressed, failing to invert BTC's term structure, with front-end volatility trading at around an 18-month low of 35-40%. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged, with call volume reaching $189M, reversing last week's trend of higher put volumes. Meanwhile, open interest rose steadily to exceed $300M, the highest level this month, but remains significantly larger for puts than for calls despite the price increase.

Advanced

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (May 9, 2025): Ether’s put/call skew turns remarkably more bullish than Bitcoin’s

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable, SignPass and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

Sign is an omnichain attestation infrastructure that empowers users and developers to verify real-world claims on-chain. Built for a more transparent and decentralized future, it eliminates the need to “just trust” and enables everyone to verify with cryptographic proof.

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

 is an omnichain attestation protocol designed to make it easy for anyone to verify the authenticity of any claim — 

. Whether it’s a document, credential or user identity, Sign transforms traditional trust models into verifiable, cryptographic attestations. 

Sign’s mission is to replace outdated, opaque validation systems with transparent, 

 proof — enabling a future where “verify” replaces “trust.” Through tools like schema registries and digital signatures, Sign empowers users to bring accountability and integrity to digital interactions.

Sign is developed by the team behind EthSign, a 

-native e-signature and agreement platform. Its core team brings deep experience in 

 development and cross-chain integrations.

The project is backed by top-tier investors, including Sequoia Capital China (now known as HongShan Capital Group), Mirana Ventures, HashKey Capital and Hack VC.

This strategic funding positions Sign as a foundational layer in the web3 infrastructure stack.

Sign allows users to create attestations — cryptographically signed statements that prove the validity of claims, such as credentials, achievements or actions. These digital proofs can be verified by anyone at any time, making them tamperproof and transparent.

Sign’s key technical elements include a schema registry that ensures consistent data formatting, digital signatures proving authenticity, and on- and off-chain attestations with support for revocation or updates

This system acts like a programmable layer for web3, bringing a new level of trust to identity, credentials and data exchange.

TokenTable is Sign’s flagship token distribution platform. It helps projects unlock, distribute and manage tokens transparently and securely at scale.

It uses Sign’s attestation engine to verify token unlocks, 

 and vesting schedules, ensuring traceable, auditable token flows.

SignPass is a blockchain-based identity solution that brings real-world credentials on-chain. One notable implementation is the Sierra Leone PR Card, used for the world’s first government-approved on-chain permanent residency program.

SignPass offers encrypted on-chain records for easy 

 verification, physical ID issuance for daily identity use and streamlined digital application systems for cross-border access.

It showcases the way blockchain can modernize public sector services worldwide.

EthSign is a decentralized contract signing platform that lets users create, sign and store legally binding agreements directly on-chain. It removes intermediaries and ensures documents are immutable and accessible.

EthSign reinforces Sign’s mission by bringing traditional documentation into the realm of verifiable web3 attestations.

The SIGN token is the native utility token powering the Sign ecosystem. It’s used for:

The total supply is capped at 10 billion SIGN, with 1.2 billion tokens in circulation. While the fully diluted valuation (FDV) sits above $746 million as of May 7, the circulating market cap is approximately $89.6 million. SIGN continues to gain traction across exchanges and developer networks.

SIGN is available for trading on Bybit via Spot trading and as a USDT Perpetual contract. Bybit offers up to 75x leverage for the SIGNUSDT Perpetual contract and supports secure, high-liquidity spot trading.

Start exploring the future of attestations with SIGN on Bybit today.

Intermediate

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Sign (SIGN): Web3 protocol for trustless attestation

Compliant trading means following platform rules and avoiding manipulative behavior. Learn more about how you can trade responsibly and compliantly on Bybit.

Crypto trading has come a long way from what used to be the domain of institutional players, and is now open to almost anyone with an internet connection. It’s easier than ever to buy and sell digital assets, try new strategies or build a portfolio from scratch all within minutes.

But with that level of access comes responsibility. As more people join the market, the need for fairness and accountability has become even more important. This isn’t just about price charts or profits — it’s about keeping the playing field level for everyone involved.

At Bybit, we take that responsibility seriously. We're here to offer the tools, safeguards and education you need to help you trade responsibly and to protect the platform from misuse.

This article describes what it actually means to trade compliantly, why it matters — and what can happen if things go off course.

Compliant trading means playing fair, following the platform’s rules, staying within the boundaries of what’s allowed and avoiding anything that could unfairly affect the market.

It’s not about avoiding risk: it’s about knowing what you’re doing, using official tools the right way and making sure your trades aren’t causing harm to yourself or others.

In short, compliant traders don’t just focus on their P&L — they understand that how they conduct themselves while trading matters. Responsible trading protects their accounts, keeps the platform stable and builds long-term credibility in the crypto ecosystem.

Why does responsible and compliant trading matter?

It’s easy to assume that compliance is only something platforms or regulators need to worry about. But in reality, every trader plays a part. When someone attempts to exploit the system — for example, by coordinating mass trades through off-platform channels — the consequences can ripple across the entire market.

In extreme cases, irresponsible trading behavior can:

And if the trades in question are linked to coordinated action, use of fake accounts or external bots? That opens the door to account freezes, compliance reviews and, in some cases, permanent suspension.

Bybit has a responsibility to act when the system is being abused — not just for legal reasons, but in order to protect honest traders.

Common examples of noncompliant or risky behavior

Some traders join Telegram groups or online communities in which KOLs (key opinion leaders) give out coordinated trading instructions (for example, “Buy token A now, sell it in an hour”). This practice isn’t just risky: it often involves a small number of insiders benefiting while the majority end up with losses.

When many people follow the same instruction all at once, it can artificially inflate the price of a low-liquidity token. The KOLs then exit at the top —while others are left with falling prices and unexpected liquidations.

Such a textbook case of market manipulation violates our Terms of Service and, depending upon jurisdiction, could violate financial laws.

Using bots or unverified trading strategies

Some Telegram groups may seem convincing, but trades coordinated off-platform are often unverified and may serve someone else’s agenda. 

 programmed to front-run trades, mimic pump-and-dump strategies or follow unverified signals can trigger compliance red flags and may lead to account restrictions.

Bybit does not support trading bots from unverified sources. They can also trigger flags in our monitoring systems, which may result in account suspension.

Using another person’s account or sharing login credentials — even if it’s with a family member — goes against both Bybit’s policies and global 

(AML) rules. It also opens the door to fraud, loss of funds and irreversible penalties.

Tips for responsible and compliant trading on Bybit

The good news is that there’s a better way to trade — responsibly, safely and with confidence, starting with the right tools, mindset and habits.

Use copy trading the way it’s meant to be used

 is one of Bybit’s most trusted features, and for good reason. It gives users access to professional traders’ strategies while maintaining full transparency. However, it only works if you follow verified 

These traders have been vetted and their stats are fully visible. You can view their P&L, risk settings and trade history. Bybit also provides built-in tools, such as 

 and staking products allow you to earn passive yield with minimal effort. These products are fully backed by our infrastructure and undergo regular audits, and are a compliant way to generate returns without chasing risky trades.

No matter how convincing a Telegram group may sound, remember that trades executed outside of regulated channels are unverified and often unaccountable. They may be coordinated for someone else’s gain.

 offers a wide range of articles and tutorials, covering everything from indicators and oscillators to advanced portfolio strategies. Before following any external signal, it’s worth spending 10 minutes to understand the rationale behind it. In trading, knowledge is your best form of compliance. Before you enter any position, ensure that you fully understand the asset you're trading, the current market conditions and the risks involved.

, never share your login credentials, and always enable two-factor (2FA) authentication. In addition, all trading activity should originate from your own account and remain under your own control.

Bybit’s systems are designed to flag irregular behavior. If your account is found to be engaging in prohibited activity, even unintentionally, you may be:

We take these steps in order to protect the broader user base and to uphold market fairness.

Being compliant doesn’t mean missing out on opportunity. In fact, it’s the opposite. It means you’re using the platform the way it was designed, with safeguards, transparency and trust. Shortcuts might look appealing in the short term, but they rarely end well. The most successful traders on Bybit are the ones who understand risk, stay informed and trade with integrity.

Take the time to learn and use the tools available to you. And remember: protecting your account starts with choosing how you’ll trade.

Beginner

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How to trade compliantly and responsibly on Bybit

Discover how DAI evolved into USDS under the Sky protocol—unlocking passive rewards, scalability, and a new era of DeFi with Sky Token Rewards.

In September 2024, MakerDAO, a pioneering 

 (DeFi) protocol, underwent a significant transformation by rebranding itself as 

 (SKY). This rebranding was part of the project's comprehensive strategy to enhance scalability, user engagement and regulatory compliance. The major changes that came with the rebranding include token upgrades, whereby the platform’s stablecoin, Dai, was upgraded to USDS (Sky Dollar) while the 

Let’s take a deeper look at USDS and its role on the Sky platform.

USDS (United States Dollar Sky) is the upgraded version of the Dai stablecoin, launched under the newly rebranded Sky protocol (formerly MakerDAO).

 Like DAI, USDS is a decentralized, overcollateralized stablecoin designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar.

However, USDS significantly improves scalability, user incentives and regulatory positioning, making it a next-generation solution for DeFi.

One of the standout features of USDS as a stablecoin is that it creates 

 opportunities for its investors. With USDS, you can access the Sky Savings Rate (SSR) feature, which allows you to participate in the Sky ecosystem's governance by accumulating Sky Token Rewards (STR) (presented in the form of SKY tokens).

SSR also features a variable automated token accumulation feature, whereby you receive 

 to the SSR program. This passive earning potential offers a major advantage for users seeking yield without complicated 

Sky uses a dynamic model that adds USDS to the SSR pool every few seconds. Over time, the value of sUSDS in the particular pool increases. You can then opt to redeem your sUSDS for USDS, and receive the USDS you initially supplied in addition to the USDS equivalent you’ve accumulated.

These rewards serve as an incentive mechanism, enabling users to passively grow their holdings while supporting the health and stability of the Sky ecosystem.

Upgrading from DAI to USDS is straightforward. Users can visit Sky.money and initiate the upgrade directly through a noncustodial, user-controlled process.

The platform provides a simple interface on which users connect their wallets, exchange their existing DAI for an equal amount of USDS and instantly become eligible for yield accumulation and other Sky ecosystem benefits. There are no fees for the upgrade, and users retain full control of their assets at all times.

USDS isn’t just a stablecoin; it’s an evolution of DeFi money. With passive earning through Sky Token Rewards and a smooth, secure upgrade path, USDS sets a new standard for the way decentralized stablecoins can deliver value and financial empowerment to users worldwide.

USDS and DAI are both decentralized stablecoins originally developed under the MakerDAO ecosystem (now Sky). While they share the same core principle — overcollateralization and the maintenance of a 1:1 peg with the US dollar — USDS represents a major evolution of DAI, introducing additional incentives designed to enhance user experience, scalability and regulatory alignment.

DAI has long been a favorite in the DeFi ecosystem, allowing users to generate stablecoins by locking up crypto collateral such as 

. DAI features a savings program, the DAI Savings Rate (DSR), from which people can earn 

 (sDAI). While the DSR program is still running, upgrading to USDS lets you earn two types of rewards through the SSR program: sUSDS tokens and Sky Token Rewards (STRs).

In addition, USDS is well positioned to meet regulatory requirements, aiming for broader mainstream adoption while maintaining decentralization.

Below is a comparison table between DAI and USDS:

USDS is backed by collateral that’s deposited in Sky vaults by borrowers. In return, the reserves for these vaults are backed by three main assets: 

With a market cap of over $8 billion, USDS is the currently third-largest stablecoin after 

 is more complex than that of typical stablecoins, as it includes liquidation mechanisms and a peg-stability module. However, an audit of USDS’s smart contract in September 2024 didn’t report any significant risks with the stablecoin. Notably, S&P Global Ratings 

 of 4 out of 5, indicating constrained ability to maintain its peg under certain conditions. 

​Additionally, the proposal to include a freeze function for USDS, which bestows upon the Sky protocol the power to halt USDS transfers between wallets, has sparked heated discussions within the community, highlighting the ongoing conundrum of balancing security measures with principles of decentralization.

The evolution of DAI to USDS marks a major leap forward for DeFi. By combining DAI's trusted and overcollateralized model with additional passive earning opportunities through Sky Token Rewards, USDS empowers users to enjoy greater financial benefits with less complexity.

The streamlined upgrade process and stronger regulatory positioning set the stage for broader adoption and a more resilient future. As Sky continues to build, USDS represents more than just a stablecoin — it’s the foundation of an open, accessible and more rewarding financial ecosystem for everyone.

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From DAI to USDS: Unlocking an open Sky for a more rewarding future

Options

For anyone who has ever traded Options, or is looking to do so, the Option greeks — delta, vega, theta, gamma and rho — are a must-know. Find out why.

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If you're new to Options trading, you may have heard the term "Greeks", but are unsure as to what it means. So — what are the Greeks, and how can they help you become a more successful Options trader?

In short, the Greeks are a set of criteria used by Options traders to understand how the price of an Option reacts to changes in certain variables. There are five main Options Greeks: 

Don't be intimidated by these terms: They’re likely less complicated than you think. In this article, we'll walk you through each Greek, explaining how it can help you minimize the risks and enjoy the advantages of Options trading.

Before that, let's get acquainted with Options as a whole.

The first thing to know is that Options are a type of 

 contract. This means they derive their value from an underlying asset, such as a stock, commodity, index or 

Options have an agreed-upon price (known as the 

), at which the buyer gains long or short exposure to the underlying asset. Options always have a predetermined expiration date, at which the contract becomes void.

There are two types of Options contracts: 

The Option contract buyer always pays a fee known as the “Option premium” to the seller. The premium's value is determined by the strike price and the number of days-to-expiration (DTE). For the buyer, the premium represents the maximum potential loss. For the seller, the premium is the maximum potential profit.

Option traders describe strike prices in three ways:

The Greeks are a set of measures used by traders to manage risk and forecast the profit potential of an Option strategy.

When combined, the Greeks can show us how an Option will react to changing market conditions at different points in time. Each of the Greeks affects Option premiums in its own unique way.

Delta is a ratio that calculates how much an Option's price changes when the underlying asset price goes up by $1.00.

For example, a call Option with a delta of 0.50 will increase in value by $0.50 when the underlying moves $1.00 higher. Conversely, a put with a delta of −0.50 will lose $0.50 when the underlying goes up by $1.00.

Delta also represents a strike's odds of expiring in-the-money. When an Option has a delta of 0.60, it has a 60% chance of expiring ITM at that point in time.

Delta can also be viewed as the amount of exposure you have to the underlying asset at that exact moment, relative to the size of your Option position.

For instance, let’s assume you buy a $25,000 OTM call Option on BTC (contract size of 1.0 BTC) with a delta of 0.30. At that moment, your call Option will make or lose the same amount of money as if you were holding 30% of the underlying security (1.0 BTC × delta of 0.30 = 0.3 BTC).

If the value of BTC jumps to $25,000, and the delta increases to 0.50, your exposure will then be equal to 50% of the underlying (1.0 BTC × 0.50 = 0.5 BTC).

A few things to keep in mind about delta:

Vega tells us how much we can expect an Option's price to change if implied volatility moves 1.00%.

Implied volatility (IV) is the Options market's way of predicting how much an asset will fluctuate in the future. When the market expects greater movement, implied volatility rises, increasing the cost of Option premiums.

Theta (also known as time decay) measures the rate of change in an Option premium relative to time — specifically, how much value an Option will lose to time decay in the next 24 hours.

When it comes to time decay, here are some things to keep in mind:

Gamma measures the rate of change in delta relative to a $1.00 move in the underlying asset. Think of delta as the speed at which an Option's value changes, and gamma as its accelerator.

Assuming a call Option has a delta of 0.30, we know it should increase in value by $0.30 when the underlying moves $1.00 higher ($1.00 × 0.3 = $0.30). We've also learned that call Option deltas increase when the underlying asset’s value goes up — it's gamma that tells us 

If the same Option has a gamma value of 0.10, following the $1.00 move up, the delta increases to 0.40 (delta of 0.30 + gamma of 0.10 = 0.40). Subsequently, the next time the underlying moves up $1.00, the premium gains $0.40.

It's helpful to think of gamma as a measure of uncertainty:

More uncertainty as to whether an Option will expire ITM.

Less uncertainty surrounding the Option's prospects.

Rho measures sensitivity to changes in the risk-free interest rate (typically that of U.S. Treasury bills).

Option traders consider rho to be one of the “lesser” Greeks, as it has a limited impact on premiums — especially near-dated Options.

When it comes to rho, there are, however, some things to consider if you're planning to trade longer-dated Options:

To get a better sense of how different strike prices and maturities impact the Greeks, let's compare two different scenarios.

The ITM call has the highest premium and delta. However, it's also the least sensitive to gamma, vega and theta.

As expected, the ATM call has a delta close to 0.50. The strike also has the highest gamma, vega and theta values.

The OTM call has the lowest premium and delta. You'll also notice that because it's closer to the underlying price than the $28.00 call ($3.00 away instead of $4.00), it's more sensitive to the influences of vega, theta and gamma. Since all three strikes are near-dated, rho doesn’t come into play.

Now, let's examine what happens to the Greeks if we extend the contract's maturity.

Apple Inc. Call Options — Expiration: 16 DEC 2022 — 70 DTE

As expected, the ITM call has the highest premium and delta. You'll also notice that because the Option has 70 DTE, it becomes sensitive to rho — in this case, the ITM calls are the most sensitive.

As the 155.00 call is closest to the current price, it has the highest gamma, vega and theta.

As we move further away from the current price, sensitivity to gamma, theta and vega declines.

Note that regardless of the strike price, the 70 DTE calls are less sensitive to theta than the 10 DTE strikes in example 1 (time decay is slower for longer-dated options).

While it's helpful to know how each of the Greeks works, it’s especially crucial to understand delta and theta before trading Options. 

By becoming aware of an option's delta, you'll always know your immediate exposure and the odds of whether your trade will be profitable. Theta is the next concept that all Options traders should strive to master. The key to making the right investment decision is knowing how much value your Option will lose each day as expiration nears.

Remember — all things being equal, an Option loses value as time passes. For this reason, time decay is an Option seller's best friend … and an Option buyer’s greatest enemy.

Although volatility isn’t an immediate member of the Greek family, it’s still a factor to consider. We can think of volatility as a close relative of vega’s.

 is a measure of how much an asset price fluctuated during a certain period in the past.

While historical volatility tells you how much an asset moved in the past, 

 (or IV) reveals how much the Options market expects the asset to move in the future.

The thing to remember about IV is that it's purely theoretical — so it's impossible for anyone, even experts in the field, to predict the future with complete certainty. IV is, however, useful in determining whether Option prices are cheap or expensive.

In stocks investing, the golden rule is to buy low and sell high, and the same is true with Options. By buying Options when IV is low, and selling when it’s high, you significantly increase your chances of success.

Since IV often reverts to its mean over time, successful Options traders usually gauge whether IV is high or low relative to historical volatility before deciding whether to buy or sell Options.

One of the biggest mistakes a rookie trader can make is to dive into Options before gaining a basic understanding of the Greeks.

Without knowing how an Option will react when the underlying moves — or as time passes — it's difficult to make an informed investment decision. That's why, on your Options trading journey, the first step to take is to learn as much as you can about delta and theta.

Once you’ve gotten a solid grasp on those two concepts, you'll be well-equipped to tackle basic Options strategies. To attempt more advanced, higher-risk plays, go one step further to learn about gamma and vega.

The beauty of Options is that they are incredibly flexible, providing more ways to profit than spot or 

Whether your goal is to speculate, generate passive income, or even 

, Options have you covered. You can structure Options to suit your risk appetite and level of experience, and learning about Options Greeks is an excellent first step to take. We recommend that you experiment with different strategies on Bybit's

 before trading Options in real time. Happy exploring!

Option Greeks: Important Symbols Every Trader Must Know

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