NLDR Crypto Conference

NLDR Crypto Conference: Innovations in Derivative Markets

Table of Contents

Event Overview

Join us at the NLDR Crypto Conference, where we explore edge developments in cryptocurrency markets, with a particular focus on how derivatives are reshaping investment strategies. This year, we introduce an important new session: 'Before the Fact', examining the evolution of pre-production trading and how markets are now facilitating contracts for assets before they even exist.

New Frontiers in Crypto Derivatives

Traditional derivative markets were structured around ownership—farmers owned their wheat before shorting futures, and investors acquired assets before hedging with derivatives. In the crypto space, this logic has evolved. As Bitcoin traders, we traditionally bought the asset first and then shorted futures for income and price stability or used options for income with an upside potential.

Now, however, a 'Before the Fact' market has emerged, where contracts for Bitcoin can be acquired before production. Platforms like Luxor Derivatives provide a clearing function for hashpower, enabling miners and investors to lock in pricing and optimize revenue strategies before blocks are mined. This shift eliminates bankruptcy risk while allowing for better product structures—smaller denominations and richer premiums—enhancing accessibility and profitability.

This concept extends beyond Bitcoin—eventually, markets will apply similar clearing functions to other productive assets, including AI computing power, decentralized storage, and even lower-level services like Linux server capacity.

Conference Schedule: May 13th, 2025

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast Networking Session
  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Takers: Crypto Derivative Trading Forum
    • How coin-delivered/margined contracts eliminate bankruptcy risk
    • Using futures and options to hedge and generate consistent income
    • Exploring new derivatives that allow purchasing hash power versus spot Bitcoin
    • Analogy: Buying an oil well instead of buying oil—how to think about pre-production crypto contracts
    • Hosted by Nicholas Levenstein, Aural Jihad, and Erik Maulidan
  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Coffee Break
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: All Things Crypto - Open Q&A
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Before the Fact: Trading Bitcoin Before It Exists
    • Exploring how contracts for Bitcoin can be acquired before production
    • How Luxor Derivatives and similar platforms are enabling this new approach
    • Backwardation vs. Contango—identifying pricing opportunities in the futures market
    • How these innovations are spreading to AI computing, decentralized infrastructure, and other digital commodities
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Panel Discussion: Could Crypto Derivatives and DeFi Make a Real Impact in Traditional Banking?
    • Exploring the future of trade, exchange, and insurance
    • The evolution of derivatives from a leveraged post-purchase product to pre-production contracts
    • How new derivatives allow for valuation-based opportunities in crypto and traditional finance
    • Speakers: Robert Hardee (CFO of Mobee Exchange), Fabian Pascal (Dentons), and Nicholas Levenstein
  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Afternoon Tea Break
  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Makers: Understanding Market Makers in Derivatives vs. Spot Markets
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Makers: A Market Maker Explains Trade Ideas
  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Cocktail Party - Networking & Expert Insights

Secure Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights into the next evolution of crypto derivatives. Register Now to secure your place at the conference!

Apply to Be a Moderator

Are you an expert in crypto derivatives, pre-production trading, or digital asset markets? We are accepting applications for session moderators who can contribute thought leadership and guide discussions.