Binance invests 'tens of millions' in Alameda Research-backed crypto derivatives platform FTX
Quick Take
- Binance has taken an equity stake in crypto derivatives platform FTX
- Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and CEO of FTX, told The Block that the deal involves “tens of millions”
- This is Binance’s second investment in crypto derivatives platform as it acquired JEX in September
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has doubled down its efforts to grow market share in the derivatives space.
The exchange has acquired an equity stake in Alameda Research-backed crypto derivatives platform FTX. While the investment amount was not disclosed by Binance, Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and CEO of FTX, told The Block that it is in the “tens of millions.”
The news follows Binance’s recent acquisition of little-known derivatives platform JEX in September, which was renamed to Binance JEX. FTX, on the other hand, will continue to operate as an independent entity.
“The investment will help accelerate the growth of FTX with support and strategic advisory from Binance while FTX maintains its independent operations,” said Bankman-Fried, who is also the CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency liquidity provider.
FTX said Binance is the first and the only outside investor in the platform.
As part of the deal, both the firms plan to build better crypto trading products and platforms. Specifically, Binance will help FTX grow “faster and larger,” while FTX will help Binance build out liquidity and institutional products across its main exchange as well as over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk.
Binance has also taken a long-term position in the FTX’s native token, FTT, in addition to the equity investment.
“The FTX team has built an innovative crypto trading platform with stunning growth. With their backgrounds as professional traders, we see quite a bit ourselves in the FTX team and believe in their potential in becoming a major player in the crypto derivatives markets.“ said Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, CEO of Binance.
Derivatives market heating up
FTX was launched in May of this year and claims to have reached $500 million in trading volume per day. But its market share is still meager, as the derivatives space is currently dominated by BitMEX, Huobi and OKEx, according to data from Skew, compiled by The Block.
Binance, which broke into the derivatives space a few months ago, is also catching up. The exchange currently offers futures in three cryptocurrencies - bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and bitcoin cash (BCH) - all paired against tether (USDT). Binance futures offer leverage of up to 125x as against BitMEX’s up to 100x for some contracts.
The market for crypto derivatives is heating up in general. A number of firms offer an array of derivatives products, including futures, options and swaps. Bakkt, for instance, launched cash-settled bitcoin futures earlier this month. CME Group is also expected to launch such options next month.
"One of the interesting aspects of derivatives is often their notional value can outpace spot. The proliferation is going to continue,” Paul Chou, co-founder of LedgerX, told The Block recently, adding: “Every new derivative contract is a new revenue line."
Disclaimer: The former CEO and majority shareholder of The Block has disclosed a series of loans from former FTX and Alameda founder Sam Bankman-Fried.
© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
