Coinbase Just Bought Deribit for $2.9 Billion, Here’s Why You Should Care

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  • Coinbase is snatching up crypto giant Deribit for a cool $2.9B. A deal in cash and stock, obviously.
  • Deribit’s $30B open interest? Yeah, Coinbase is pretty much claiming crypto dominance with this one.
  • Coinbase is now eyeing Dubai, Asia, and the Middle East. Guess they’re planning world domination.

So, here’s the scoop: Coinbase, in all its wisdom (and wallet), is looking to gobble up Deribit, the big player in crypto options. How much are we talking? Oh, just a casual $2.9 billion, which includes $700 million in cash and a solid 11 million Coinbase Class A shares. But hey, it’s still got to clear the whole “regulatory approval” thing first. Details, right?

Deribit’s $30B Open Interest? Let’s Talk About That Future $$$

Industry insiders are whispering that this move is all about Coinbase making a bigger play in the crypto derivatives space—think futures, perpetual futures, and options. Deribit is no small fry in this world. With a whopping $30 billion in open interest, it’s basically the cool kid at the crypto options table. Plus, the rumored $1 trillion in transaction volume for 2024? Yeah, institutional investors are definitely paying attention.

By buying Deribit, Coinbase is aiming for a global trading empire. We’re talking every crypto product under the sun: spot, futures, perpetuals, options—you name it, they want it all in one super-efficient trading platform. Their big dream? Becoming the one-stop-shop for crypto trading. No big deal.

Meanwhile, market experts are predicting that this will give Coinbase’s own futures services a solid boost. They’ve already got a presence in the U.S. through Coinbase Financial Markets and Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, and internationally through Coinbase Global Exchange. Now, with Deribit in the mix, Coinbase is ready to flex on a global scale. Professional traders are going to love this.

And here’s the kicker: while spot trading is all about that price fluctuation drama (hello, volatility), options trading tends to be much calmer. Deribit’s proven track record of consistent and positive EBITDA is exactly what Coinbase needs to stabilize its revenue streams. Smart move, right?

Deribit CEO Cheers on the Coinbase Merge for Global Glory

So, what’s the deal with the transfer of Deribit’s operating license? Well, Coinbase is about to take over, which means it’ll be extra easy to turbocharge its global strategy. And, guess where this is happening? Oh, Dubai—aka the crypto-friendly playground with some super relaxed regulations. Talk about a smooth expansion.

Despite all the paperwork still in progress, Deribit’s CEO, Luuk Strijers, seems totally on board with the merger. He basically said he wants to scale up and give traders more opportunities. Classic CEO talk. But hey, the combination of Deribit’s know-how and Coinbase’s global brand could mean big things for the future of crypto derivatives.

Financial experts are predicting a crypto options boom, kind of like the equity options explosion in the 90s. Coinbase is clearly betting that it’s going to be ahead of the curve. And with Deribit’s established platform and loyal customers? They’re setting themselves up to be the top dog.

Once all the formalities are wrapped up (expect that to happen by 2025, assuming regulators don’t freak out), this deal will cement Coinbase’s place at the top of the global crypto derivatives game. Watch out, competitors—Coinbase is coming for you.

 

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2025-05-09 03:17