Coinbase has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Deribit, the world’s largest crypto options exchange by open interest, in a landmark $2.9 billion transaction.
This move positions Coinbase as the premier global platform for crypto derivatives, combining spot, futures, perpetuals, and options under a unified, institutional-grade infrastructure.
Consolidating Market Leadership in Crypto Derivatives
Deribit currently manages $30 billion in open interest and facilitated over $1 trillion in trading volume last year across key international markets. Known for its dominance in crypto options trading, Deribit adds immediate scale to Coinbase’s expanding futures and perpetuals businesses in the U.S. and abroad.
The acquisition allows Coinbase to become the largest player globally in crypto derivatives, tapping into the rapidly growing options market that many compare to the early stages of the equity options boom in the 1990s.
A Profitable, Diversified Revenue Stream
Deribit brings with it a strong profitability track record, with consistent positive adjusted EBITDA, and offers non-cyclical trading revenues that complement Coinbase’s existing business. Options trading typically retains volume in both bullish and bearish markets, helping Coinbase build a durable, diversified revenue base.
The acquisition also deepens Coinbase’s foothold in international markets, enhancing its ability to serve institutional and advanced retail traders with a full suite of products across major jurisdictions.
Combined Offering Sets New Industry Standard
With Deribit integrated, Coinbase aims to deliver a capital-efficient, seamless trading experience, spanning:
Spot trading (Coinbase Exchange)
Futures and perpetual futures (Coinbase Derivatives Exchange and International Exchange)
Options trading (via Deribit)
Deribit CEO Luuk Strijers praised the merger:
“Joining forces with Coinbase will allow us to accelerate our mission while expanding opportunities for traders worldwide. Together, we’re positioned to define the future of global crypto derivatives.”
Deal Terms and Regulatory Approval
The $2.9 billion transaction consists of $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase Class A common stock, subject to customary adjustments. The deal is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2025.
A Continuation of Coinbase’s Strategic M&A Legacy
This acquisition continues Coinbase’s pattern of high-impact M&A activity:
Xapo (2019) → Coinbase Custody
Tagomi (2020) → Coinbase Prime
FairX (2022) → Coinbase Derivatives Exchange
One River Digital (2023) → Coinbase Asset Management
With Deribit, Coinbase further solidifies its role as the global leader in institutional crypto infrastructure, offering comprehensive trading and custody services under one trusted brand.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
Source: https://coindoo.com/coinbase-to-acquire-deribit-in-2-9b-deal-becoming-leading-global-crypto-derivatives-platform/