Coinbase has agreed to purchase Deribit, the leading platform for bitcoin and ether options trading, in a deal worth approximately $2.9 billion. This move significantly boosts Coinbase’s presence in the increasingly crucial crypto derivatives market, which is critical for attracting institutional investors. The acquisition will involve a combination of $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase Class A stock. Deribit, headquartered in Panama, currently holds the top spot as a trading platform for bitcoin and ether options. This deal marks a significant step for Coinbase’s expansion into the derivatives segment, a rapidly growing area within the crypto market. The acquisition follows a trend of mergers and acquisitions within the industry. Additionally, President Trump’s pro-crypto stance, aimed at establishing the U.S. as a leading force in Bitcoin, suggests a favorable regulatory environment may accompany the deal. Upon completion, this acquisition will position Coinbase as a key player in the world of crypto derivatives, serving both institutional and advanced retail traders alike.