Key Takeaways
- Coinbase will acquire Deribit in a $2.9 billion deal.
- The deal includes $700 million in cash and 11 million Coinbase shares.
- Coinbase aims to expand into spot, futures, and options trading.
Coinbase announced on Thursday it will acquire derivatives exchange Deribit in a $2.9 billion deal.
The acquisition includes $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase Class A common stock.
Expansion into crypto derivatives
This marks a strategic expansion for Coinbase into the crypto derivatives space, which includes futures and options trading—markets known for higher profitability.
The deal gives Coinbase a more comprehensive offering across spot, futures, and options markets.
Statements from leadership
Deribit CEO Luuk Strijers said:
Together with Coinbase, we’re set to shape the future of the global crypto derivatives market.
Political & market context
The timing of the acquisition aligns with renewed political support for digital assets, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in making the United States a leader in the digital asset sector.
This policy shift has spurred increased consolidation among digital asset firms looking to grow their reach.
Market reaction & industry trends
Coinbase shares, which had fallen nearly 21% in 2025 before the announcement, rose 5.2% in pre-market trading following the news.
In a similar move earlier this year, Kraken announced plans to acquire retail futures trading platform NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, signaling a broader industry trend toward derivatives-focused expansion.
