Summary: Kraken, a leading crypto exchange, is in talks to acquire Deribit, the leading options exchange, as much as US regulators like the FBI and SEC put increasing pressure.
Kraken is negotiating a purchase of Deribit, a largest crypto options trading venue, for a deal whose breakdown news was denied by sources insisting that talks continue. Worth anywhere between $4 billion and $5 billion, Deribit is worth trying for, with some of the potential buyers being Coinbase. Deribit CEO said they had received several proposals but had yet to make any decision.
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If Kraken is successful in the transaction, it would be strengthening its presence in crypto derivatives, a fast-growing business. That is occurring at a time, however, when the exchange is under increasing pressure from U.S. regulators. Kraken received almost 7,000 data requests from authorities around the globe a year before—over half were from the U.S. The SEC, which has already sued Kraken for allegedly operating an unregistered exchange, asked for 37% of them.Other companies, including the OFAC and the CFTC, have also requested clients.
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Despite issues of regulation, Kraken continues to expand. The exchange earned $1.5 billion in revenue for 2024, representing a 128% increase from last year. If Deribit acquisition occurs, it can give Kraken a solid grip in the world of cryptocurrency, shaping its destiny even while being embroiled in lawsuits.
