Why Is Operational Risk Higher for Physically-Settled Contracts?

Operational risk is higher due to the complex logistics involved in the secure and timely transfer of the physical asset. This includes managing multiple systems, ensuring correct wallet addresses, coordinating with custodians, and adhering to strict delivery schedules.

A single error in any step, such as a typo in a crypto address, can lead to the permanent loss of funds, a risk that is entirely absent in a simple cash transfer.

Does the Complexity of the Underlying Blockchain Affect Operational Risk?
Why Do Cash-Settled Futures Sometimes Require Less Initial Margin than Physically-Settled Ones?
What Is the Key Difference between Cash-Settled and Physically-Settled Futures Contracts?
How Does the European-Style Exercise of an Option Simplify Settlement Logistics Compared to American-Style?
What Is “Systemic Operational Risk” in the Financial System?
Why Are Most Major Cryptocurrency Futures Contracts Cash-Settled?
What Are the Main Challenges of Physically-Settling Bitcoin Futures from a Custody Perspective?
Why Are Physically-Settled Bitcoin Futures Less Common than Cash-Settled Ones?

Glossar

Operational Testing

Procedure ⎊ Operational testing is the systematic procedure of evaluating a crypto derivatives platform's end-to-end functionality under conditions simulating real-world market activity and user load.

Operational Efficiency Hedging

Calibration ⎊ Operational Efficiency Hedging within cryptocurrency derivatives represents a dynamic adjustment of trading parameters to minimize execution costs and maximize realized value, acknowledging the inherent inefficiencies of fragmented market microstructure.

Operational Cost Calculation

Definition ⎊ Operational Cost Calculation is the rigorous quantitative process of identifying, measuring, and aggregating all non-trading-related expenses incurred in the execution and maintenance of a derivatives trading strategy.

Exchange Operational Structure

Architecture ⎊ Exchange operational structure within cryptocurrency, options, and derivatives markets defines the technological and procedural framework enabling trade execution, risk management, and settlement.

Operational Challenges in Clearing

Challenge ⎊ Operational challenges in clearing refer to the difficulties encountered in managing the post-trade process of matching, confirming, and settling derivatives transactions.

CCP Operational Risk

Risk ⎊ CCP operational risk represents the potential for losses resulting from failed internal processes, system malfunctions, or human error within a central clearing counterparty.

Operational Efficiency Demands

Throughput ⎊ Operational efficiency demands in financial markets, particularly for high-frequency trading and derivatives, necessitate extremely high transaction throughput to handle massive volumes of orders, cancellations, and margin updates.

Operational Cost Metrics

Metric ⎊ Operational cost metrics are quantitative measures used to track and analyze the recurring expenditures necessary to maintain a cryptocurrency mining or trading infrastructure.

Operational Overheads

Technology ⎊ Operational Overheads include the substantial recurring Technology costs necessary to maintain a competitive edge in quantitative trading and derivatives market making.

Operational Technology Readiness

System ⎊ Operational technology readiness refers to the state of an organization's trading and risk management systems.