{"id":"cole-kennelly","title":"Cole Kennelly","content":"**Cole Kennelly** is the founder and chief executive of Volmex Labs, a company that develops volatility and rates benchmark indices for digital assets, including the BVIV ([Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin)) and EVIV ([Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum)) implied volatility indices. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-jGexqaLFzswW5cYC) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-ZWthR1cX2xhHNyrM)​\n\n## Education\n\nCole Kennelly earned a bachelor's degree in Finance & Economics from The Ohio State University. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-jGexqaLFzswW5cYC) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-HviZZstZu5BN0g9H) \n\n## Career\n\nBefore founding Volmex Labs, Cole Kennelly worked at Staked in a sales position related to partnerships with institutional [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) investors. Staked was later acquired by [Kraken](https://iq.wiki/wiki/kraken).\n\nFrom 2016 to 2017, Kennelly worked as a Research Assistant at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business in the Columbus, Ohio area.\n\nKennelly has been professionally associated with the New York City metropolitan area, with public activity related to [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) market structure, derivatives, and index-based financial products.\n\n### Founding Volmex Labs\n\nIn 2021, Kennelly founded Volmex Labs, also known as Volmex. The company was established to develop [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) volatility indices modeled on traditional financial market benchmarks and to support on-chain volatility-related trading products.\n\nPublic references and company materials connect Kennelly to the development of implied volatility indices associated with [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum).\n\n### Volatility and Rates Benchmarks\n\nPublic profiles and appearances associated with Kennelly have focused on volatility and rates benchmarks for [digital assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets), including the BVIV and EVIV implied volatility indices linked to [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum).\n\nHis work has included the development of index-linked products designed to measure volatility and other market-related metrics within [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) markets.\n\nIn January 2026, reports stated that [Polymarket](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polymarket) listed contracts referencing Volmex’s BVIV and EVIV indices. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-jGexqaLFzswW5cYC)  [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-ZWthR1cX2xhHNyrM)  [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-HviZZstZu5BN0g9H)  [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-jpwfM6OOENKzLCvC)  [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-tTj0C8HcDHK8EDl5) \n\n## Media, Speaking, and Public Commentary\n\n### Conference Appearances\n\nKennelly has participated in industry conferences and public discussions on derivatives and volatility. In May 2026, he appeared on a panel during [Consensus in Miami](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-miami-2026), where he discussed funding rates and market structure and stated that a $250,000 year‑end price target for [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) was “possible.” The appearance underscores his role as a public commentator on market dynamics related to volatility and derivatives. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-xLdm1e4VsZwUVeDt)​\n\n### Interview Features\n\nKennelly was the featured guest on a London Real interview published on May 1, 2025, focused on Volmex’s indices and their potential applications. The episode page outlines topics including implied volatility, prime‑rate benchmarks across lending protocols, anticipated index expansions, and considerations around regulatory developments and the broader outlook for crypto markets. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-ZWthR1cX2xhHNyrM)​\n\n### Press Coverage of Product Launches\n\nCoverage of Polymarket’s January 2026 release of Volmex contracts presented the products as simplifying volatility exposure for [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [Ether](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). Kennelly’s comments in that piece reinforce his positioning as a spokesperson for index‑based approaches to managing and trading crypto market risk. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-tTj0C8HcDHK8EDl5)​\n\n## Selected Statements\n\n* On the launch of Volmex index‑linked contracts on [Polymarket](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polymarket) (January 2026): “[Polymarket](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polymarket), the world’s largest prediction market, launching contracts on Volmex’s BVIV and EVIV Indices is a major milestone for Volmex and crypto derivatives broadly.” He added that the partnership brings institutional‑grade benchmarks into a simple prediction‑market format, “making it easier for traders and investors to express views on crypto implied volatility.” [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-tTj0C8HcDHK8EDl5)\n* On Bitcoin’s potential year‑end price during [Consensus Miami 2026](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-miami-2026): Kennelly stated that “$250,000 is possible,” offering a bullish scenario in the context of a panel on derivatives and funding rates. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-xLdm1e4VsZwUVeDt)\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Bitfinex Talks Interview on Crypto Volatility #01\n\nOn July 29, 2025, Cole Kennelly participated in an interview on the [Bitfinex](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitfinex) YouTube channel titled “Why Volmex Has Everyone Talking About Crypto Volatility.” The discussion focused on [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) volatility indices, derivatives markets, and the role of index-based products within [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) trading environments.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE)\n\nDuring the interview, Kennelly discussed the development of volatility indices including BVIV and EVIV, which are designed to measure implied volatility in [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) markets. He stated that the indices are used as reference tools for market analysis and as underlying benchmarks for derivative products offered on trading platforms. Kennelly also described Volmex Finance’s work in creating rate indices related to funding rates and [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) lending activity.\n\nKennelly stated that the company’s products are integrated across centralized and decentralized trading platforms and referenced the use of volatility-linked perpetual futures contracts on exchanges such as [Bitfinex](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitfinex). He also discussed the relationship between cryptocurrency options markets and volatility indices, describing options trading as part of the broader derivatives infrastructure associated with [digital assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets).\n\nThe interview additionally covered topics including [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) treasury companies, decentralized finance protocols, tokenized financial products, and the interaction between [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) markets and traditional financial systems. Kennelly stated that developments such as exchange-traded funds, tokenized equities, and on-chain financial products indicate increasing overlap between traditional finance and [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain)-based markets. [\\[10\\]](#cite-id-SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X) \n\n### Volmex and Crypto Market Indices #02\n\nIn an interview published on the London Real YouTube channel on December 13, 2025, Cole Kennelly discussed topics related to [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) volatility markets, derivatives infrastructure, and financial indices used in [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) markets.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc)\n\nKennelly described Volmex Labs as a company that develops implied volatility and rates indices for [cryptocurrencies](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) including [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), and [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana). During the interview, he compared some of the company’s products to financial benchmarks used in traditional markets, including the VIX, LIBOR, and SOFR indices. He also discussed the use of implied volatility data in the evaluation of market expectations and price movement forecasts.\n\nThe interview included discussion of [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) derivatives markets, [Bitcoin ETF](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-etfs) options, and the use of volatility indices by trading platforms and market data services. Kennelly referenced integrations involving platforms such as TradingView and [CoinMarketCap](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinmarketcap) in relation to the distribution of Volmex market data.\n\nKennelly also discussed lending and funding rate indices developed by Volmex Labs. According to his statements during the interview, these indices were created to track borrowing costs and funding activity within [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) markets.\n\nAdditional topics included [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) regulation in the United States, the expansion of crypto exchange-traded products, and considerations related to the possible issuance of native crypto tokens by [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) companies. [\\[11\\]](#cite-id-MOfi3B7iba16F9I1) ","summary":"Founder and CEO of Volmex Labs, a crypto benchmark index company behind BVIV, EVIV and other volatility and rates indices. Previously at Staked, and a frequent industry speaker, including at CoinDesk’s Consensus.","images":[{"id":"QmZbDyZNdMfaRkoQiYt3dFiDANxc4bFiHJqthecYFMWzBB","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"Founder"},{"id":"Speaker"},{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"}],"media":[{"id":"Qmb1diUxPFghaE7oXyTQ9UNLcfAGWRYjHrzYyGcvUhYEzu","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmQ4GcHRbiDPqvvfkpLcF37Zgscd7GnzqUrk99Aa7CCVTE","name":"-b_djaUs_400x400.jpg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmQ4GcHRbiDPqvvfkpLcF37Zgscd7GnzqUrk99Aa7CCVTE","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmeVJC7X3koBujnT3x4qmDm7wCShC14JYnihRQz6Qt8uX7","name":"HIEOhonW4AIQ1SV.jpg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmeVJC7X3koBujnT3x4qmDm7wCShC14JYnihRQz6Qt8uX7","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE","name":"OGiNS6QmIFE","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc","name":"lSx43CRiXKc","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc","source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"jGexqaLFzswW5cYC\",\"url\":\"https://theorg.com/org/volmex-labs/org-chart/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"TheOrg: role and location\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"ZWthR1cX2xhHNyrM\",\"url\":\"https://londonreal.tv/cole-kennelly-volmexs-leading-crypto-volatility-rates-indices-are-cryptos-next-billion-dollar-opportunity/\",\"description\":\"London Real episode page\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"HviZZstZu5BN0g9H\",\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/colekennelly/\",\"description\":\"LinkedIn: location and profile\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"jpwfM6OOENKzLCvC\",\"url\":\"https://tokenterminal.com/explorer/projects/volmex\",\"description\":\"Token Terminal: founder and 2021 launch\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"tTj0C8HcDHK8EDl5\",\"url\":\"https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/01/27/bitcoin-and-ether-volatility-trading-gets-easier-with-polymarket-s-new-volmex-contracts\",\"description\":\"CoinDesk: Polymarket lists Volmex contracts\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"xLdm1e4VsZwUVeDt\",\"url\":\"https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/05/07/the-great-derivatives-disconnect-why-negative-funding-is-actually-a-bullish-signal-for-bitcoin\",\"description\":\"CoinDesk: Consensus 2026 panel; $250k remark\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"4YMVIz29ZDGCBgDL\",\"url\":\"https://muckrack.com/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"Muck Rack: profile and articles\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"Ieiq5ReucAmAaHb1\",\"url\":\"https://x.com/ColeGotTweets\",\"description\":\"X/Twitter: @ColeGotTweets\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"xu6ZUvtXONUozOEF\",\"url\":\"https://www.crunchbase.com/person/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"Crunchbase profile\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X\",\"description\":\"Why Volmex Has Everyone Talking About Crypto Volatility | Bitfinex Talks\\n\",\"timestamp\":1778682629646,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE\"},{\"id\":\"MOfi3B7iba16F9I1\",\"description\":\"Volatility, Risk, and the Future of Finance with Volmex – Cole Kennelly\\n\",\"timestamp\":1778682927096,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc\"}]"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/colekennelly/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/ColeGotTweets"},{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"jGexqaLFzswW5cYC\",\"url\":\"https://theorg.com/org/volmex-labs/org-chart/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"TheOrg: role and location\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"ZWthR1cX2xhHNyrM\",\"url\":\"https://londonreal.tv/cole-kennelly-volmexs-leading-crypto-volatility-rates-indices-are-cryptos-next-billion-dollar-opportunity/\",\"description\":\"London Real episode page\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"HviZZstZu5BN0g9H\",\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/colekennelly/\",\"description\":\"LinkedIn: location and profile\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"jpwfM6OOENKzLCvC\",\"url\":\"https://tokenterminal.com/explorer/projects/volmex\",\"description\":\"Token Terminal: founder and 2021 launch\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"tTj0C8HcDHK8EDl5\",\"url\":\"https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/01/27/bitcoin-and-ether-volatility-trading-gets-easier-with-polymarket-s-new-volmex-contracts\",\"description\":\"CoinDesk: Polymarket lists Volmex contracts\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"xLdm1e4VsZwUVeDt\",\"url\":\"https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/05/07/the-great-derivatives-disconnect-why-negative-funding-is-actually-a-bullish-signal-for-bitcoin\",\"description\":\"CoinDesk: Consensus 2026 panel; $250k remark\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"4YMVIz29ZDGCBgDL\",\"url\":\"https://muckrack.com/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"Muck Rack: profile and articles\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"Ieiq5ReucAmAaHb1\",\"url\":\"https://x.com/ColeGotTweets\",\"description\":\"X/Twitter: @ColeGotTweets\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"xu6ZUvtXONUozOEF\",\"url\":\"https://www.crunchbase.com/person/cole-kennelly\",\"description\":\"Crunchbase profile\",\"timestamp\":1778681009507},{\"id\":\"SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X\",\"description\":\"Why Volmex Has Everyone Talking About Crypto Volatility | Bitfinex Talks\\n\",\"timestamp\":1778682629646,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE\"},{\"id\":\"MOfi3B7iba16F9I1\",\"description\":\"Volatility, Risk, and the Future of Finance with Volmex – Cole Kennelly\\n\",\"timestamp\":1778682927096,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc\"}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"\"https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmYbeCbKVkkBng2WCyLqeZbtPVwwRnXAcRj1Pe6xuuqx2K\""},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Removed Cole Kennelly biography, education and career details\""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmYbeCbKVkkBng2WCyLqeZbtPVwwRnXAcRj1Pe6xuuqx2K"}],"events":[{"id":"6b081252-07b5-40a1-a8f5-9e9f101e5e33","date":"2021-01-01","title":"Founded Volmex Labs","type":"CREATED","description":"Kennelly founded Volmex Labs, focused on crypto volatility and rates benchmarks.","link":"https://tokenterminal.com/explorer/projects/volmex","continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"b0d4a862-c052-4237-8d43-27a87debe55e","date":"2025-05-01","title":"London Real interview published","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Appeared on London Real discussing Volmex’s volatility and rates indices.","link":"https://londonreal.tv/cole-kennelly-volmexs-leading-crypto-volatility-rates-indices-are-cryptos-next-billion-dollar-opportunity/","continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"75ae416d-019f-4af5-82cf-b94f6ed593f4","date":"2026-01-01","title":"Polymarket lists Volmex contracts","type":"DEFAULT","description":"CoinDesk reported Polymarket launched contracts tied to Volmex BVIV and EVIV indices; Kennelly was quoted.","link":"https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/01/27/bitcoin-and-ether-volatility-trading-gets-easier-with-polymarket-s-new-volmex-contracts","continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"3fc400b3-9f19-4fb3-9d0f-315f00743b0d","date":"2026-05-01","title":"Speaker at Consensus 2026","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Spoke at CoinDesk’s Consensus 2026, including the session on Bitcoin’s 2026–2027 market outlook.","link":"https://consensus.coindesk.com/agenda/speaker/-cole-kennelly","continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"9128a51f-a162-4eed-af2f-490f50df836e","date":"2026-05-01","title":"Quoted on BTC outlook at Consensus Miami","type":"DEFAULT","description":"CoinDesk reported Kennelly said $250,000 year-end Bitcoin is possible, in a panel on derivatives and funding.","link":"https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/05/07/the-great-derivatives-disconnect-why-negative-funding-is-actually-a-bullish-signal-for-bitcoin","continent":null,"country":null}],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"operator":{"id":"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]},"recentActivity":"{\"items\":[{\"id\":\"261d64d2-d42c-4f40-a950-9986dddc2009\",\"title\":\"Cole Kennelly\",\"description\":\"Founder and CEO of Volmex Labs, a crypto benchmark index company behind BVIV, EVIV and other volatility and rates indices. Previously at Staked, and a frequent industry speaker, including at CoinDesk’s Consensus.\",\"timestamp\":\"2026-05-13T14:38:32.367Z\",\"category\":\"people\",\"status\":{\"icon\":\"RiGlobalLine\",\"label\":\"Wiki Updated\",\"iconClassName\":\"text-green-500\"},\"user\":{\"name\":\"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889\",\"address\":\"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56\"},\"button\":{\"label\":\"View Summary\",\"icon\":\"RiFileTextLine\"},\"summarySections\":[{\"title\":\"Content\",\"subtitle\":\"Main article content updated to add a new 'Interviews' section and two interview entries (with accompanying text and YouTube links).\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":3,\"changes\":[\"Added 'Interviews' section containing 'Bitfinex Talks Interview on Crypto Volatility #01' (dated July 29, 2025) with YouTube link https://youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE [[10]](#cite-id-SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X)\",\"Added 'Volmex and Crypto Market Indices #02' interview (dated December 13, 2025) with YouTube link https://youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc [[11]](#cite-id-MOfi3B7iba16F9I1)\",\"Added explanatory paragraphs describing the content of both interviews (topics include volatility indices, derivatives markets, integrations, lending/funding-rate indices and related product use cases) [[10]](#cite-id-SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X) [[11]](#cite-id-MOfi3B7iba16F9I1)\"]},{\"title\":\"Videos\",\"subtitle\":\"Two YouTube media entries were added to the media/video list.\",\"variant\":\"added\",\"changeCount\":2,\"changes\":[\"Added video entry: id=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE, name=OGiNS6QmIFE, source=YOUTUBE, thumbnail=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE\",\"Added video entry: id=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc, name=lSx43CRiXKc, source=YOUTUBE, thumbnail=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc\"]},{\"title\":\"References\",\"subtitle\":\"References/links array was updated: two YouTube reference objects were appended and an existing consensus speaker URL was removed; overall reference 'value' JSON was replaced/updated.\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":3,\"changes\":[\"Added reference object id=SiCffyXEFL3Yjt1X (Why Volmex Has Everyone Talking About Crypto Volatility | Bitfinex Talks) — URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiNS6QmIFE\",\"Added reference object id=MOfi3B7iba16F9I1 (Volatility, Risk, and the Future of Finance with Volmex – Cole Kennelly) — URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSx43CRiXKc\",\"Removed reference/link value: https://consensus.coindesk.com/agenda/speaker/-cole-kennelly\"]},{\"title\":\"Dates\",\"subtitle\":\"Several date fields were changed from day-level to month-level precision (YYYY-MM-DD -> YYYY-MM).\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":3,\"changes\":[\"Changed date from \\\"2025-05-01\\\" to \\\"2025-05\\\"\",\"Changed date from \\\"2026-01-01\\\" to \\\"2026-01\\\"\",\"Changed date from \\\"2026-05-01\\\" to \\\"2026-05\\\" (two occurrences)\"]},{\"title\":\"Metadata: action flags\",\"subtitle\":\"Added 'action' metadata entries with the value 'CREATE' for newly created/added items.\",\"variant\":\"added\",\"changeCount\":1,\"changes\":[\"Added metadata field \\\"action\\\": \\\"CREATE\\\" on multiple items (one or more occurrences in the diff)\"]}]}]}"}