BitMex CEO Stephan Lutz Shares Insights on Prediction Markets in Exclusive Mpost Interview

Cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, today introduced Prediction Markets — a novel category of crypto derivatives; expanding its offerings for traders. The innovative addition enables BitMEX users to forecast and take positions on real-world events spanning various topics and industries — from predicting the potential recovery rates of insolvent crypto ventures to speculating on the future of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and even the fate of notable figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, Prediction Markets diversify BitMEX’s product lineup, providing unique profit opportunities.

In the inaugural batch of contracts now available for trading, users can engage in predictions concerning FTX bankruptcy claims, the SEC’s approval of a Bitcoin ETF, and the outcome of Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal proceedings.

In an exclusive interview with Metaverse Post, BitMex CEO Stephan Lutz discussed the company’s exciting new venture into prediction markets.

The Rationale Behind Prediction Markets at BitMex

Prediction Markets represent a fresh avenue for traders to gain returns by forecasting the outcomes of events across a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from cryptocurrencies to traditional finance. Moreover, these markets offer a risk-mitigation tool for anticipating future results, catering to both traders and risk-averse participants.

Stephan Lutz told Metaverse Post that BitMex’s venture into prediction markets serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it seeks to offer traders a robust hedging tool, with a particular focus on liquidation recovery rates. However, it also introduces an element of entertainment, as prediction markets inherently captivate individuals.

He explained that the new feature represents a preliminary exploration for the company, gauging its reception within the trading community. If met with enthusiasm, it will evolve into a versatile technical platform, capable of supporting the development of advanced trading tools.

“In prediction markets, it’s more than meets the eye. One aspect is serious hedging, for example, for liquidation recovery rates. It can serve as a valuable hedging or investment tool. Another aspect is the fun element, as prediction markets with binary outcomes are enjoyable to play with. Ultimately, it gives us the technical capabilities to build more structured payout and hedging profiles in the future,” Lutz told Metaverse Post. “What we launched now is first step to test how it is being adapted, we will be building further according to user response ”

🔮Now LIVE: Prediction Markets at BitMEX🔮

With our new crypto derivative, BitMEX users can predict and take positions on the outcomes of real-life events across a range of topics.

Available right now? Predictions on #FTX customer claims, the future of #Bitcoin ETFs…

➕You’ll… pic.twitter.com/FhvmUkvSaP

— BitMEX (@BitMEX) September 13, 2023

How It Works

The prediction market currently encompasses a variety of events. BitMex, in particular, offers traders a diverse selection of topics, such as forecasting the approval of a Bitcoin ETF by October 17 or speculating on the legal outcome for a prominent crypto exchange founder.

“Our approach to launching new markets is quite open. We listen to the community. Whether it’s through tagging us on Twitter or proposing ideas in our Telegram groups and Discord channels, we take user recommendations seriously. However, regulatory concerns sometimes limit what we can offer,” added BitMex’s Lutz. “We’re not a gambling platform, but we aim to provide an advantage to traders by allowing them to use the same capital, same margin for different contracts, like hedging against FTX return rates – same for Bitcoin ETF.”

Community Input and Future Prospects

Lutz affirmed Metaverse Post that the platform encourages community input to broaden the scope of prediction markets, extending beyond the realm of cryptocurrencies. The payout mechanism follows a straightforward model, ranging from 0% to 100%, solely reliant on market predictions and devoid of any index rate. It functions as a genuine price discovery mechanism, with traders shaping the market’s value.

“The payout in our prediction markets ranges from 0 to 100%, and it’s entirely market-driven. There’s no fixed index rate; it’s based on the last price traded, which serves as a real price discovery mechanism,” Lutz told Metaverse Post. “We introduced this mechanism to add a higher level of transparency that is currently unavailable in the market.”

Lutz emphasized the significance of community input, actively encouraging feedback through social media, Telegram groups, and Discord channels. The company is keen to hear traders’ preferences for future developments in their prediction markets.

“If you have suggestions for new markets to be launched, feel free to bring them to BitMex team’s attention. Journalists and users on Twitter are welcome to suggest what BitMax should add,” said Lutz.

BitMex has crafted its prediction markets to function as both a robust investment tool and enjoyable trading experience. These markets exemplify the platform’s commitment to delivering innovative, adaptable, and community-centric services.

Get Involved!

Want to have a say in the future of BitMex’s prediction markets?

Head over to Twitter and suggest what you’d like to see next.

Your ideas could very well become a part of BitMex’s growing array of trading options.