What Is a Binary Option and Why Are They Often Controversial?

A binary option is a derivative where the payoff is either a fixed amount or nothing at all, depending on whether a specific event (like the price being above a strike price) occurs by expiration. They are controversial because they are often associated with predatory trading practices and lack transparency, leading to bans or severe restrictions in many major financial jurisdictions.

What Is the Concept of “Nothing at Stake” and How Does PoS Attempt to Solve It?
Why Is the “Risk-Free Rate” Component of Black-Scholes Controversial in Crypto Markets?
How Does the “Nothing at Stake” Problem Relate to PoS Security and Forks?
What Is “Rehypothecation” of Collateral, and Why Is It Controversial?
How Do ‘Binary Options’ Differ from Standard Options in Terms of Liquidity and Pricing?
In the Context of Derivatives, What Constitutes an “Abusive Trading Practice”?
What Is an ‘Upgradeable’ Smart Contract and Why Is It Controversial in the Context of Immutability?
What Is the ‘Nothing at Stake’ Problem Unique to Some PoS Systems?

Glossar