XRP options traders are currently paying some of the highest premiums for upside exposure seen in the past year, according to data from Coinbase Markets. This trend highlights a notable shift in sentiment as demand for call options significantly outpaces that for put options.
Call premium reaches new highs
Coinbase Markets has reported one of the strongest bullish skews in XRP options over the last twelve months. The exchange observed that the one-week 25-delta call-minus-put skew reached 9.3 volatility points, a figure that places it in the 95th percentile of all readings during this period.
This metric indicates that traders are especially eager to secure upside exposure in the options market, with the demand for calls—contracts that benefit if XRP’s price rises—significantly stronger than for comparable puts.
XRP options are leaning toward upside convexity, according to Coinbase Markets, reflecting the strongest preference for bullish strategies in recent months.
Historically, XRP’s one-week options skew was negative for much of late 2025 and the first half of 2026. During those periods, the skew fell below minus 10 volatility points at times, showing that puts carried higher implied volatility than calls, emphasizing a preference for downside protection among traders.
Market dynamics quickly changed, with the skew jumping above 15 volatility points in late August before moderating. It has now returned to double-digit levels, suggesting recent bullish sentiment is persistent.
Understanding the options skew
The 25-delta risk reversal, also known as call-minus-put skew, compares the implied volatility of one-week call options against that of one-week put options at the same delta. A positive skew signals traders are paying more for upside protection than for downside, hinting at an expectation, or at least a willingness to pay, for potential price increases.
In practical terms, a reading of +9.3 means the implied volatility priced into call options is 9.3 volatility points higher than that of similar puts. While this shows traders’ willingness to pay up for bullish exposure, it does not directly equate to an expectation that XRP’s price will climb by 9.3%.
Mini dictionary: 25-delta risk reversal, a common options market measure that examines the difference in implied volatility between out-of-the-money call and put options with a delta of 25. A positive risk reversal suggests stronger demand for calls (bullish), while a negative number implies higher demand for puts (bearish).
While skew readings can reflect bullish appetite, extreme skews are not always clear or unambiguous indicators of direction. A sharp preference can sometimes coincide with traders hedging existing positions or reacting to recent price changes.
Recent price performance
The renewed interest in upside protection coincides with a rebound in XRP’s spot price. Data from CoinGecko shows that XRP gained around 18% over the last week, reinforcing optimism among some derivatives traders.
Extreme skews in options markets often align with rapid price moves, as traders seek to take advantage of momentum or protect recent gains.
Coinbase, one of the largest digital asset platforms in the United States, provides derivatives market data and analysis for institutional and retail investors. The strong moves in XRP options reflect changing attitudes in the market, with traders willing to pay more to participate in potential future rallies.
