Architect Secures $35M to Build Institutional-Grade Digital Asset Trading Platform

Article with URL Citations

Brett Harrison, the chief of FTX US, has secured $35 million in funding for his new venture, Architect Financial Technologies. The Chicago-based startup aims to build a modern trading infrastructure for institutional investors seeking exposure to digital assets and derivatives. Harrison's firm recently announced a strategic Series A funding round, which will support the growth of AX, a perpetual futures exchange to scale perpetual futures exchange.

The funding was led by Miami International Holdings and Tioga Capital, with participation from major players like Galaxy Ventures, ARK Invest, and VanEck to scale perpetual futures exchange. The investment is expected to help Architect scale its platform and expand into international markets. Harrison emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance as a key differentiator for the company.

Architect's AX platform is designed to offer institutional-grade trading on a range of traditional and digital assets, including foreign currencies, interest rates, and commodities to scale perpetual futures exchange. The exchange is operating under the regulatory oversight of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, a feature that appeals to institutional investors seeking secure and transparent trading environments.

Institutional Demand for Digital Assets Grows

The rise in institutional interest in digital assets is evident across the industry. BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has seen strong inflows into its IBIT Bitcoin ETF, which now holds $68 billion in assets under management as reported by FXStreet. Meanwhile, JP Morgan is exploring crypto trading services for institutional clients and expanding its digital asset footprint as reported by FXStreet. These moves reflect a broader shift toward regulated crypto exposure among institutional investors.

Coinbase is also adapting to this trend by expanding beyond its core crypto trading business. The company recently introduced a range of new financial services, including stock trading, prediction markets, and tokenization as reported by Investopedia. Coinbase's goal is to become a comprehensive financial platform competing with other fintech giants.

Market Conditions and Competitive Landscape

Despite the influx of institutional capital, the broader cryptocurrency market remains volatile. As of December 23, 2025, the global crypto market was down nearly 2% as reported by FXStreet. Bitcoin, which reached a high of $126,000 in October, has since declined by more than 30% amid a broader correction in risk assets.

Hashkey, Hong Kong's largest licensed crypto exchange, saw mixed performance in its stock market debut. Its shares initially rose but closed lower than the IPO price as reported by MarketWatch. The company attributes part of its recent performance to lower trading volumes and the broader market correction.

Amid these conditions, new entrants and existing platforms are seeking to differentiate themselves. Amplify ETFs has launched the Amplify Stablecoin Technology ETF (STBQ) and the Amplify Tokenization Technology ETF (TKNQ), targeting the growing infrastructure behind digital finance as reported by GlobeNewswire. These ETFs aim to provide investors with exposure to companies and crypto assets driving innovation in stablecoins and tokenization.

Regulatory and Infrastructure Developments

Regulatory clarity has played a key role in shaping the market. In the U.S., the GENIUS Act has laid the groundwork for a federal framework for stablecoins, while the SEC and EU have introduced guidelines for tokenized assets. These developments have encouraged institutional adoption and provided a more predictable environment for market participants as reported by Coinotag.

Infrastructure upgrades are also a focal point for exchanges and platforms. Bitget Wallet recently integrated Hyperliquid to enhance on-chain perpetual trading as reported by CryptoNews. The move aims to offer users better liquidity and lower fees, reinforcing the trend toward institutional-grade trading tools.

Looking Ahead

The next phase of Architect's growth will focus on expanding AX's reach and deepening its product offerings. Harrison has emphasized the need to build a robust, regulated trading environment that can meet the evolving demands of institutional investors. With the support of high-profile investors and a strong regulatory foundation, the company is well-positioned to compete in a rapidly changing market.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, the competition between exchanges, ETFs, and infrastructure providers is intensifying. The ability to offer secure, scalable, and compliant solutions will be critical for long-term success. For investors, the growing institutional participation and regulatory support suggest that the crypto market is maturing, even as price volatility persists.