Coinbase (COIN) Is in Advanced Talks to Acquire Deribit, a Major Global Derivatives Exchange

The crypto industry is showing strong enthusiasm and activity, fueled by the Trump administration’s more relaxed regulatory approach. Notably, Coinbase (COIN), a leading U.S. exchange, is in advanced talks to acquire Deribit, a major global derivatives exchange

Crypto industry enthusiasm and activity are running high, aided by the Trump administration’s more relaxed regulatory approach towards the sector. In other developments, major U.S. exchange Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) is in advanced talks to acquire Deribit, a significant global derivatives exchange, according to a Bloomberg report.

Deribit, licensed in Dubai, has been informed by the two companies about the ongoing discussions.

If successful, Coinbase would take over Deribit’s operating license. While talks are still happening, no deal has yet been finalized. Earlier this year, Deribit’s value was estimated at between $4 billion and $5 billion. This move would supplement Coinbase’s existing derivatives platform, which currently centers on futures.

In 2024, Deribit saw nearly $1.2 trillion in trading volume—nearly double the previous year’s total.

Coinbase recently announced plans for 24/7 futures trading on Bitcoin and Ethereum to engage more investors on its platform. Coinbase (COIN), recognized for spot trading, aims to expand into the lucrative crypto derivatives market by acquiring Deribit, the largest platform for trading Bitcoin and Ether options.

The reported talks follow competitor Kraken's announcement of acquiring derivatives platform NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion to offer U.S. crypto derivatives. Kraken also plans to go public by Q1 2026, according to Bloomberg.

Coinbase is expanding its derivatives business as it explores the acquisition of Deribit. On March 15, it filed with the CFTC to offer futures for Cardano (ADA) and Natural Gas (NGS). If approved, trading could begin by March 31. This follows the launch of Solana (SOL) and Hedera (HBAR) futures.

Coinbase offers derivatives for 92 assets globally, with fewer available in the U.S., according to its 2024 report. In January, Robinhood (HOOD) joined the crypto futures market, aiming to challenge Coinbase. Meanwhile, CME Group (NYSE:CME), the world’s biggest derivatives exchange, saw a massive 300% surge in crypto derivatives trading, reaching around $10 billion in daily volume during Q4 2024.