From Cointelegraph · By Sam Bourgi
Coinbase has completed its integration of derivatives exchange Deribit, opening a regulated route for eligible US customers to global crypto derivatives markets that have historically operated beyond their reach.
The exchange announced Wednesday that the integration combines its international derivatives business with Deribit while allowing eligible US customers to access that liquidity through Coinbase Financial Markets, its derivatives unit regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Coinbase International Exchange balances and positions were migrated to Deribit on Oct. 1.
Crypto derivatives account for roughly 80% of global crypto trading volume, according to Coinbase, but US traders have historically lacked a regulated path to the deeper options and perpetual futures markets available offshore. This began to change in May, when the CFTC issued guidance allowing Coinbase Financial Markets to connect US clients to global derivatives markets.
Coinbase said US institutional clients will be able to access Deribit’s options and perpetual futures through Coinbase Prime and Coinbase Financial Markets. Previously, those clients typically needed offshore entities and a separate trading infrastructure to access the same markets.
Options through Coinbase Prime are expected to become available in the coming weeks. Coinbase also plans to introduce options for eligible non-US retail traders over the same period, followed by US retail access later this year.
Related: Coinbase gets CFTC approval for US derivatives clearinghouse