The problem it addresses
A business may know that it will need a dollar stablecoin next month while holding or expecting funds in another currency. An adverse exchange-rate movement can make that future purchase more expensive. An option gives the business a specified rate it can choose to use before expiry. Paying for that choice means it can retain flexibility if its plans change or a better exchange becomes available elsewhere. The premium is still a cost, whether or not the option is used. This protection concerns the exact onchain tokens named in the option. It does not by itself guarantee a bank conversion rate, token redemption value or access to local currency.The three roles
The writer supplies the collateral behind the option. Ledig is not the trading counterparty simply because the transaction uses Ledig’s protocol.
From purchase to expiry
- Choose a market. Review its two tokens, fixed exchange rate, expiry and available offers.
- Purchase the right. Pay the premium for a specific amount. The purchase does not send that amount of collateral to you immediately.
- Decide whether to exercise. Exercising means providing the required payment token and receiving the promised token at the agreed rate.
- Act before expiry. Exercise is manual. Any unused rights expire at the stated deadline, with no premium refund.

