Espel | Financial Mathematics for Cryptocurrencies | Buch | 978-1-394-37007-8 | www2.sack.de

Buch, Englisch, 288 Seiten

Espel

Financial Mathematics for Cryptocurrencies


1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-394-37007-8
Verlag: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Buch, Englisch, 288 Seiten

ISBN: 978-1-394-37007-8
Verlag: John Wiley & Sons Inc


Master the quantitative foundations you need to successfully invest in and trade digital assets

Financial Mathematics for Cryptocurrencies by Tom J. Espel combines two of today's most dynamic fields – quantitative finance and cryptocurrencies – in a comprehensive guide that addresses the unique mathematical challenges faced by everyone involved in the crypto markets. Espel draws on his extensive experience in frontier assets to explain the analytical frameworks you’ll need to make informed investment decisions, identify pricing opportunities, and manage risk in this volatile asset class.

The book adapts relevant quantitative finance methodologies specifically for digital assets, bridging the gap between traditional financial mathematics and the distinctive characteristics of blockchain-based instruments. Espel introduces three essential constructs for DeFi pricing theory: network time, the validator account as a new numéraire, and wrapped token frameworks for cross-chain valuation. Its modular structure allows readers to navigate directly to relevant sections, covering everything from blockchain fundamentals to advanced valuation models, staking contract mathematics, and liquidity cost analysis in cryptocurrency markets.

You’ll find: - Mathematical frameworks for staking contracts, liquid staking derivatives, and yield farming strategies with rigorous ex-ante and ex-post valuations

- Comprehensive coverage of network valuation methods including Metcalfe's Law, Reed's Law, and the ZBOT framework specifically applied to digital assets
- Pricing theory extending arbitrage-free pricing to blockchain assets through the validator account and blockchain measure (B-measure)
- Expert insights from an author specializing in quantitative strategies for electronic and illiquid assets, with expertise in market microstructure and volatility modeling
- Accessible mathematical solutions designed for practitioners in applied mathematics and quantitative finance, with clear and rigorous explanations

Perfect for quantitative analysts, traders, portfolio managers, cryptocurrency researchers, and finance students, Financial Mathematics for Cryptocurrencies is an indispensable resource for applying established financial mathematics to the digital asset ecosystem. It’s a must-read for everyone developing trading algorithms and pricing models, conducting digital asset analysis, or researching cryptocurrency markets.

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Weitere Infos & Material


Preface xvii

Acknowledgments xix

Acronyms xxi

Notations xxiii

Introduction xxv

PART ONE

Fundamentals of Digital Assets

CHAPTER 1

Overview of Digital Assets 3

1.1 Semantics 3

1.1.1 Digital Assets 3

1.1.2 Blockchain 4

1.1.3 Cryptocurrencies and Tokens 4

1.2 Brief History 5

1.2.1 Background 5

1.2.2 Bitcoin 6

1.2.3 Ethereum 7

1.2.4 Tokens and Layer 2 7

1.2.5 dApps and Layer 3 7

1.2.6 Meme Coins 8

1.2.7 NFTs 8

1.2.8 ETFs 9

1.3 Major Coins 10

CHAPTER 2

Topology of Networks 11

2.1 Blockchain Networks 11

2.1.1 Ledger 11

2.1.2 Three Pillars of Blockchains 12

2.1.3 Forks 13

2.2 Sidechains 14

2.3 Technical Characteristics 15

2.3.1 Protocol Layer 15

2.3.2 Consensus Mechanism 17

2.3.3 Anonymity 19

2.4 Network Indicators 19

2.5 Staking 20

2.5.1 Direct Staking 20

2.5.2 Liquid Staking 21

2.5.3 Yield Farming 22

CHAPTER 3

Asset Characteristics 23

3.1 Network Versus Asset 23

3.2 Conventional Asset Classification 24

3.2.1 Financial Instruments and Assets 24

3.2.2 Asset Classes 25

3.2.3 Cash Products 26

3.2.4 Derivatives 26

3.2.5 Options 33

3.2.6 Hybrids 41

3.2.7 Claims and Cash Flows 42

Open Problems 44

PART TWO

Network Valuation

CHAPTER 4

Digital Asset Classification 47

4.1 Prudential Classification 48

4.2 Sector Classification 48

4.2.1 HHR’s Classification 48

4.2.2 Other Sectoral Classifications 49

4.2.3 Limitations 49

4.3 WWS Market Cap Characterization 50

4.4 Ecosystem Classification 51

4.4.1 Schär’s Classification 51

4.4.2 Linnaean Classification 52

4.5 Functional Classification 53

4.5.1 FINMA Classification 53

4.5.2 Enhanced Functional Classification 54

CHAPTER 5

Network Valuation 57

5.1 Market Capitalization Multiple 58

5.2 Business Valuations 59

5.2.1 Peer Comparison 59

5.2.2 Book Valuation 60

5.2.3 Dividend Valuation 60

5.2.4 Cash Flow Valuation 61

5.3 User-based Network Valuations 62

5.3.1 Sarnoff’s Law 62

5.3.2 Metcalfe’s Law 62

5.3.3 Reed’s Law 63

5.3.4 ZBOT Law 63

5.4 Discussion on Network Valuations 65

5.4.1 Comparison of Network Valuations 65

5.4.2 Limitations 65

5.4.3 Beyond User-based Network Valuations 66

5.5 Transaction Volume Pricing 66

5.5.1 Volume Multiple Valuation 66

5.5.2 Block Time Valuations 67

5.5.3 Cost Accounting 67

5.6 Factor Analysis 70

5.6.1 Fundamental Factor Analysis 70

5.6.2 Regressions 71

5.6.3 Principal Component Analysis 72

5.6.4 Limitations 72

5.7 Relative Value Pricing and Interchain Basis 73

5.7.1 Credit Default Swap Basics 73

5.7.2 Interchain Basis 74

5.7.3 Network Default Swaps 74

Open Problems 76

PART THREE

Market Structure

CHAPTER 6

Carry and Storage 79

6.1 Lending and Margin 79

6.2 Carry and Forward Pricing 81

6.2.1 Forward Pricing Framework 81

6.2.2 Foreign Exchange Forward Pricing 82

6.3 Cost of Carry and Convenience Yield 83

6.4 Digital Asset Custody 86

6.4.1 Wallet Types 86

6.4.2 Custodial Models and Exchange Custody 86

6.4.3 Storage Risk and Asset Pricing 88

CHAPTER 7

Liquidity Interface 89

7.1 Traditional Finance Pathways 89

7.2 Stablecoins 90

7.2.1 Definition and Classification 90

7.2.2 Market Development and Regulation 91

7.2.3 Economic Characteristics and Pricing 91

7.3 Tokenized Assets 91

7.3.1 Tokenized Bonds 92

7.3.2 CBDCs and Tokenized Deposits 93

7.3.3 RWA Tokens 93

7.4 Defi Liquidity Interface 94

CHAPTER 8

Cost of Liquidity 97

8.1 Price Decomposition Framework 97

8.1.1 Order Books and Market Structure 97

8.1.2 Economic Surplus and Market Making 99

8.1.3 Mathematical Framework 99

8.2 Components of the Spread 100

8.2.1 Settlement and Counterparty Risk 100

8.2.2 Peg Risk 100

8.2.3 Network and Technical Risk 101

8.2.4 Liquidity Risk 102

8.3 The Blockchain Paradox 103

CHAPTER 9

Fee Models 107

9.1 Fees 107

9.2 Oscillating Fees Model 108

9.3 Extended Fee Models 112

Open Problems 114

PART FOUR

Price Returns

CHAPTER 10

Price Process 117

10.1 Mathematical Framework for Price Processes 117

10.2 Price Returns 118

10.3 Empirical Properties of Financial Time Series 119

10.3.1 Stylized Facts 119

10.3.2 Long-range Dependence Analysis 121

CHAPTER 11

Price Return Models 125

11.1 AR Models 125

11.1.1 ARMA 126

11.1.2 ARIMA 129

11.1.3 Calibration 130

11.2 Constant Volatility Models 131

11.2.1 Geometric Brownian Motion 131

11.2.2 Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process 134

11.2.3 Lévy Process 135

11.3 Stochastic Volatility Models 136

11.3.1 GARCH Model 136

11.3.2 Heston Model 137

11.3.3 Rough Volatility Models 140

Open Problems 142

PART FIVE

Pricing Theory

CHAPTER 12

Discounting and Staking 145

12.1 Clocks 145

12.1.1 Network Time 145

12.1.2 Market Time 148

12.2 Pricing Assumptions 149

12.2.1 Axioms 149

12.2.2 Terminology 149

12.2.3 Risk-free Rate 149

12.2.4 Compounding 154

12.2.5 Time Value of Money 155

CHAPTER 13

Forward Rate Curve 159

13.1 Rates and Curves 159

13.2 Zero-coupon Bond (ZCB) 161

13.3 Interest Rate Curve 163

13.4 Interest Rate Swap (IRS) 166

CHAPTER 14

Arbitrage Pricing Theory 171

14.1 Numéraire 171

14.2 Martingales 172

14.3 Risk-neutral Measure 173

14.4 Money Market Account 176

14.5 Validator Account 177

14.6 Stablecoins 182

CHAPTER 15

Cross-chain Asset Pricing 183

15.1 On-off-chain Pricing 183

15.1.1 Ex Post Valuation 184

15.1.2 Ex Ante Valuation 185

15.2 Siegel Paradox 186

15.3 Interchain Valuation 188

CHAPTER 16

Overview of Interest Rate Models 191

16.1 CIR Model 191

16.2 SABR Model 192

16.3 SVJC Model 193

16.4 HJM Model 194

Open Problems 196

PART SIX

Staking Contract

CHAPTER 17

Direct Staking Contracts 199

17.1 Direct Staking 199

17.2 With Accrual 202

17.2.1 Ex Post Valuation 202

17.2.2 Ex Ante Valuation 203

17.3 Non-accrual 204

17.3.1 Ex Posts Valuation 204

17.3.2 Ex Ante Valuation 206

17.4 Non-accrual with Queue Mechanisms 207

17.4.1 Ex Post Valuation 209

17.4.2 Ex Ante Valuation 211

17.4.3 Queue Overrun Risk 212

CHAPTER 18

Other Staking Contracts 215

18.1 Liquid Staking 215

18.1.1 Liquid Staking Rewards 215

18.1.2 Pricing in LST Units 216

18.1.3 Protocol Value 217

18.1.4 Pricing Under Blockchain Measure 218

18.1.5 Pricing Only with Peg Risk 219

18.1.6 Pricing with Both LST Rate and Peg Risk 221

18.2 Liquid Restaking 222

18.3 Yield Farming 224

18.3.1 Reward Paid in Native Coin 225

18.3.2 Reward Paid-in-kind 225

Open Problems 227

Afterword 229

Glossary 231

References 235

Disclaimer 253

About the Author 255

Index 257


TOM J. ESPEL is a quantitative strategist who specializes in research and risk management in electronic and illiquid assets. He has experience working in Europe and Asia in alpha research, market-making pricing, and high-frequency trading. Espel’s work on digital and illiquid asset management is frequently published in peer-reviewed journals.



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