- Deribit eyes US expansion post-Trump’s crypto-friendly shift; SEC eases enforcement, DOJ disbands crypto crime unit.
- Global firms OKX, Nexo, Wintermute, DWF Labs follow Deribit into US amid relaxed regulations.
Dubai-based cryptocurrency options exchange Deribit is considering entry into the US market, according to a Financial Times report. The move follows President Donald Trump’s pledge to position the US as a global crypto hub, accompanied by relaxed enforcement from federal agencies. Deribit CEO Luuk Strijers confirmed the exchange is “actively reassessing opportunities” amid evolving policies.
Under Trump, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closed or paused over a dozen cases against crypto firms accused of securities law violations. The Department of Justice (DOJ) disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) in June 2025, reducing centralized oversight of crypto-related crimes. These changes signal a departure from previous administrations’ stricter postures, encouraging firms like Deribit to explore US operations.
Deribit Joins Global Firms Targeting US Growth
Deribit, which handles over $6 billion daily in crypto options, joins Asian and European companies eyeing US expansion. Seychelles-based OKX, Swiss lender Nexo, and market makers Wintermute (London) and DWF Labs (Abu Dhabi) have also announced plans to enter the market. Strijers cautioned that complexities remain, particularly for derivatives platforms:
“Offering derivatives in the US remains complex. We are monitoring developments.”
While regulatory hurdles have eased, exchanges face operational barriers. Deribit must navigate state-level licensing frameworks and federal commodity trading rules. Existing US derivatives platforms like CME and Coinbase retain first-mover advantages, though gaps in crypto options liquidity could create openings for foreign entrants.
The influx of global firms tests the US’s capacity to balance market growth with investor protections. For Deribit, success hinges on adapting its non-US model to comply with domestic standards—a process requiring time, capital, and regulatory diplomacy.
If implemented, Deribit’s expansion would intensify competition in US crypto derivatives, potentially lowering fees and broadening product access for institutional traders.
