Delta Hedging
Delta Hedging is a risk management technique used to reduce the directional risk of an option position by taking an offsetting position in the underlying asset. The goal is to make the overall portfolio delta neutral, meaning the value of the portfolio does not change when the price of the underlying asset moves.
This requires frequent adjustments as the price of the underlying asset changes and the option's delta fluctuates. In crypto, delta hedging is commonly used by market makers and institutional investors to protect their positions from market volatility.
It is a precise application of quantitative finance, requiring sophisticated models to calculate the correct hedge ratio. While it eliminates directional risk, it does not remove other risks such as volatility risk or interest rate risk.
It is a foundational practice for anyone trading derivatives in a professional capacity.