Deribit Eyes US Market Entry Amid Crypto-Friendly Shift Under Trump

Highlights:

• Deribit plans US expansion amid easing Trump-era crypto regulations.
• Coinbase is in talks to acquire Deribit for strategic US market entry.
• Global crypto firms, including OKX and Nexo, are reentering the US market.

Following a shift in regulatory tone under President Trump’s administration, Deribit is evaluating an expansion in the United States. Last year, the Dubai-based crypto options exchange processed $1.3 trillion of notional volume. A recent Financial Times report stated that Deribit is considering venturing into the US market as the wider crypto sector also turns more optimistic.

Additionally, these efforts have been boosted by the prospect of Coinbase acquiring Deribit. Dubai’s regulators were also informed by both firms of the proposed deal. Coinbase would receive and inherit the firm’s operational license if finalized. The news arrives as global exchanges prepare for renewed access to the U.S. derivatives market.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Deribit, world’s largest crypto options exchange, plans to enter the US market under pro-crypto Trump admin. pic.twitter.com/yI4YbiM4lm

— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) May 3, 2025

Aside from Deribit, multiple crypto companies are now looking to return to the United States. The move comes after the Department of Justice’s crypto enforcement unit was dissolved. Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also been dropping some cases evolving from the previous regime. International firms have been drawn by these developments, which signal regulatory relaxation.

Growing Momentum Across Global Crypto Exchanges

Several European and Asian firms are heading toward US re-entry. OKX recently revealed it is planning to establish a headquarters in San Jose, California. The settlement of a $504 million case with US authorities preceded the announcement. Another firm, a crypto lender, Nexo, which also left the market in 2022, confirmed its return as well.

Kraken has made some strategic moves in the derivative segment by acquiring NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion. The acquisition represents a growing interest in regulated crypto derivatives platforms within the United States.

JUST IN: Kraken approaches $1.5 billion deal for NinjaTrader, sources indicate: WSJ. pic.twitter.com/jCWDunYNQv

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) March 19, 2025

Industry data suggests that the correlation between the crypto market strategy and the political developments is on the rise. Enforcement pressure on the sector has eased significantly since Trump returned to power. Analysts believe that the softer stance could unlock more doors for international entities. In addition, Deribit’s timing implies an increasing faith in the U.S. as a feasible market once again.

Industry Signals and Leadership Visibility

During the BlockParty 2025 event, TRON founder Justin Sun was part of Deribit’s team that appeared on a public podcast on May 2. Several key Web3 leaders and developers were present at this gathering. Consequently, Deribit’s efforts garnered visibility with Sun’s participation. His speech revolved around decentralized finance and the future of the markets.

Glad to be with @DeribitOfficial together! https://t.co/d60Fgxt6lM

— H.E. Justin Sun 🍌 (@justinsuntron) May 2, 2025

Regulatory conditions are shifting quickly. Crypto innovation has had high-profile backing from the Trump administration. As a result, some firms are rethinking previous decisions to leave the US market. Additionally, Wintermute and DWF Labs are reportedly exploring some such opportunities.

Deribit’s activity is an echo of a broader industry readjustment. With US policies easing in some ways, crypto leaders are once again weighing in on their next moves. From licensing to strategic partnerships, firms are exploring various ways to reenter the US market. The renewed interest was followed by years of cautious approaches under the previous administration.

In terms of access to crypto derivatives in the United States, ongoing Coinbase-Deribit talks would also likely change the equation. The acquisition could massively expand Coinbase’s footprint if it is successful.