Cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, escalates its derivatives strategy with a $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit.
In a significant move to expand its presence and capabilities in the crypto derivatives market, Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the acquisition of Deribit, the leading crypto options platform. The $2.9 billion deal, finalised in 2025, positions Coinbase to become a major player in Bitcoin and Ether options trading, leveraging Deribit's established market leadership.
Deribit's CEO, Luuk Strijers, expressed excitement about joining forces with Coinbase, stating, "I am thrilled to be part of this partnership that will power a new era in global crypto derivatives." The acquisition is not just an addition to Coinbase's list of mergers and acquisitions, but a strategic push to become a leading hub for crypto derivatives trading.
Coinbase plans to incorporate Deribit's products and technology into its broader institutional suite, enhancing its derivatives offerings for both retail and institutional customers in the U.S. and Europe. This expansion is supported by Coinbase's active efforts to expand under regulatory licenses such as the EU's MiCA framework.
Post-acquisition, Deribit introduced a 4% rewards program for users holding Coinbase’s USDC stablecoin, demonstrating Coinbase’s intent to drive user engagement and liquidity on its derivatives platform through incentives.
Coinbase also aims to solidify its regulatory standing across key markets, including seeking SEC approvals and establishing headquarters in Luxembourg. This move will support the scaling of derivatives and tokenized equity trading services parallel to Deribit’s offerings.
The acquisition follows Coinbase's previous strategic acquisitions, such as the token management platform Liquifi, Xapo, One River Capital, Tagomi, and FairX, which have enhanced its broader ecosystem for crypto infrastructure, compliance, and institutional services.
The Deribit acquisition is valued at $2.9 billion and is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The deal consists of $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase Class A common stock.
Deribit and Coinbase aim to shape the future of the global crypto derivatives market together, with the acquisition considered foundational to Coinbase's vision of creating the most comprehensive, compliant, and user-friendly derivatives platform globally. This long-term strategy is aligned with Coinbase’s goal to be a dominant and fully compliant crypto-trading platform in both the US and Europe, expanding product offerings and market reach through Deribit’s established derivatives expertise and technology.
News of Coinbase's acquisition of Deribit, valued at $2.9 billion, marks a strategic move into the finance sector, particularly focusing on technology-driven crypto derivatives. As Deribit's CEO, Luuk Strijers, states, "I am thrilled to be part of this partnership that will power a new era in global crypto derivatives." This acquisition will not only enhance Coinbase's derivatives offerings but also position them as a leading hub for crypto derivatives trading.
