Deribit Eyes US Expansion Amid Trump's Crypto-Friendly Policies

Deribit, the world’s largest cryptocurrency options exchange, is reportedly considering expanding its operations into the US market. This move comes as President Donald Trump has pledged to make the country the crypto capital of the world, creating a more favorable regulatory environment for digital assets.

Deribit’s chief executive, Luuk Strijers, has stated that the exchange is “actively reassessing potential opportunities” in the US. This reassessment follows the nation’s adoption of a more crypto-friendly stance under the Trump administration. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which had previously been stringent in its enforcement against the digital asset industry, has ended or halted over a dozen cases it filed against crypto companies for alleged violations of federal securities laws.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) unit, which focused on crypto-related criminal activities. These regulatory shifts have created a more supportive environment for the digital assets industry, encouraging several Asian and European crypto companies to set their sights on the US market. These companies include the Seychelles-based crypto exchange OKX, the Switzerland-based crypto lender Nexo, and leading market makers such as London’s Wintermute and Abu Dhabi’s DWF Labs.

However, Strijers acknowledges that companies aiming to enter the US market still face significant challenges, despite the improved regulatory landscape. “Offering derivatives in the US remains complex. We are monitoring developments and evaluating strategic options accordingly,” he stated. This complexity underscores the need for careful consideration and strategic planning as Deribit and other crypto companies navigate the US market.