Deribit
Key Data
- Trading Name: Deribit
- Legal Entity: Deribit FZE/DRB Panama Inc.
- Activities: Crypto Exchange
- Location: UAE/Panama
- Regulations: licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai
- Key People: John Jansen/Marius Jansen/Sebastian Smyczýnski
ChatGPT:
Deribit is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange specializing in options, futures, and perpetual contracts for digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Established in 2016, it has become a leading platform in the crypto derivatives market, boasting over 85% market share in BTC and ETH options trading.
Offering
The platform offers a suite of trading instruments, including:
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Options: European-style cash-settled options on BTC and ETH.
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Futures: Traditional futures contracts with up to 50x leverage.
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Perpetual Contracts: Perpetual swaps that allow continuous trading without expiration.
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Spot Trading: Direct purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies.
Regulation
ChatGPT:
Deribit operates under a dual-entity structure, with Deribit FZE based in the United Arab Emirates and DRB Panama Inc. in Panama. Deribit FZE is licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, holding an official Exchange Services license, which affirms its regulatory compliance within that jurisdiction. However, it’s important to note that Deribit is not authorized to provide investment services within the European Union. Users from the EU should be aware of this regulatory limitation when accessing or using the platform.
Serving
ChatGPT:
Deribit primarily serves professional and institutional traders from jurisdictions where its services are legally permitted. Its user base is global, with a strong presence in regions such as:
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Asia (especially Singapore, Hong Kong)
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Latin America
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The Middle East, particularly Dubai (through Deribit FZE, licensed by VARA)
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Offshore financial hubs and crypto-friendly jurisdictions
Reptutation
Deribit is widely respected in the crypto trading world for its professional-grade platform and strong security measures. It holds an AAA security rating (93%) from CER.live, and is both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified, proving its commitment to data protection and operational integrity (SOC 2, ISO 27001). Deribit has also earned industry awards for innovation and growth (Awards). However, it is not regulated by a top-tier financial authority like those in the EU or US (BrokerChooser), which is important for users to consider.
Customer Review
- Trustpilot: 4,1 satrs with 15+ Reviews
Key People
ChatGPT:
Deribit is guided by:
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John Jansen, Founder and Chairman, established Deribit in 2016, leveraging his extensive experience in trading and finance. www2049.rootdata.com
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Luuk Strijers, Chief Executive Officer, oversees the company’s strategic direction and operations, bringing a wealth of expertise in the financial sector.
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Marius Jansen, Co-Founder, has played a pivotal role in Deribit’s development and growth since its inception.
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Sebastian Smyczýnski, Co-Founder, contributed significantly to the technological foundation of the platform.crypto.markets
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Jean-David (JD) Péquignot, Chief Commercial Officer, focuses on expanding Deribit’s market presence and commercial strategies. Deribit Insights
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Johan Spijksma, Chief Legal Officer, manages the company’s legal affairs and compliance. LinkedIn
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Anthony Sweeney, Chief Information Security Officer, ensures the security and integrity of Deribit’s information systems.
News
ChatGPT:
As of April 2025, Deribit is in advanced talks to be acquired by Coinbase, in a deal possibly worth $4–5 billion (Bloomberg). It also launched a new Block RFQ feature to improve block trade execution (Deribit Insights). Additionally, Deribit issued a security warning about fake job scams on LinkedIn.
ChatGPT:
Conclusion & Rating
Deribit stands out as one of the most trusted and professional platforms for crypto derivatives trading, offering deep liquidity, advanced tools, and strong security standards. With certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001, plus a 93% AAA security rating, it’s well-positioned for institutional and experienced traders. While not authorized in the EU or US, it operates legally from Dubai and Panama, serving clients in crypto-friendly regions. Its potential acquisition by Coinbase further validates its market value and influence.
Compliance Rating: Green
Customer Rating: Green
Pros: Deep liquidity, strong security, institutional-grade tools
Cons: Limited asset coverage, not available in EU/US, not retail-focused
