AMSTERDAM - The American crypto exchange Coinbase has completed a purchase of Deribit, a Dutch-based trading platform for cryptocurrency derivatives, for $2.9 billion (€2.6 billion). Coinbase expects that trading in options and futures contracts for bitcoins and other digital currencies will grow significantly in the coming years. The American company is strengthening its position in the market outside the U.S. with this purchase. 

Deribit was founded in 2016 by John and Marius Jansen, two brothers from Stadskanaal. They wanted to start the first option exchange for crypto coins in the world and develop it into a platform for derivatives. These types of investment products allow investors to speculate to achieve higher profits, but they are also used to hedge risks. 

Some believe that the deal is connected to United States President Donald Trump’s ambitions to establish the U.S. as the global center of cryptocurrency. The president has been involved in several crypto ventures, including a TRUMP and MELANIA meme coin. 

“This isn't just another addition; it's foundational to our vision of creating the most comprehensive, compliant, and user-friendly derivatives platform globally. We’re excited about the path ahead and look forward to welcoming Deribit into the Coinbase family as we shape the future of crypto markets together,” the U.S. company said in a statement about the purchase.