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arXiv · 2205.09890

Replicating Portfolios: Constructing Permissionless Derivatives

Estelle Sterrett·Waylon Jepsen·Evan Kim
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Abstract

The current design space of derivatives in Decentralized Finance (DeFi) relies heavily on oracle systems. Replicating market makers (RMMs) provide a mechanism for converting specific payoff functions to an associated Constant Function Market Makers (CFMMs). We leverage RMMs to replicate the approximate payoff of a Black-Scholes covered call option. RMM-01 is the first implementation of an on-chain expiring option mechanism that relies on arbitrage rather than an external oracle for price. We provide frameworks for derivative instruments and structured products achievable on-chain without relying on oracles. We construct long and binary options and briefly discuss perpetual covered call strategies commonly referred to as "theta vaults." Moreover, we introduce a procedure to eliminate liquidation risk in lending markets. The results suggest that CFMMs are essential for structured product design with minimized trust dependencies.

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Estelle Sterrett, Waylon Jepsen, Evan Kim. 2022-05-19. Replicating Portfolios: Constructing Permissionless Derivatives. https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.09890

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