Crypto brokerage FalconX acquires derivatives startup Arbelos Markets

As a seasoned financial analyst with over two decades of experience in traditional markets and a keen interest in the evolving digital asset space, I find the acquisition of Arbelos Markets by FalconX to be a strategic move that underscores the growing maturity of the crypto industry.

Having closely followed the trajectory of both companies, it’s clear that this deal brings together two complementary strengths: FalconX’s institutional clout and balance sheet with Arbelos’ innovative derivatives trading platform. This synergy is poised to create significant value for institutional clients seeking capital efficiency, 24/7 trading access, and deeper liquidity in the crypto market.

In my view, this acquisition marks a turning point in the digital asset industry, signaling the arrival of institutional-grade players that can navigate the complex regulatory landscape and provide the transparency required to foster long-term confidence among institutional investors. The deal also highlights the increasing sophistication of the crypto derivatives market, which I believe will play a crucial role in driving the next phase of growth for the sector.

It’s worth noting that both FalconX and Arbelos have impressive pedigrees, with their founders and key personnel boasting impressive backgrounds in traditional finance. This blend of traditional finance expertise and crypto-native innovation is precisely what’s needed to bridge the gap between legacy markets and the digital asset world.

Lastly, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony that FalconX, a firm that survived the FTX collapse, is now making waves in the industry. It seems that even in the wild west of crypto, there are always survivors who emerge stronger than before!

In simpler terms, the digital asset trading firm FalconX recently purchased the cryptocurrency derivatives platform Arbelos Markets, with the exact amount remaining unspecified. This transaction is notable as it represents one of the significant acquisitions in the crypto sector so far this year, 2025.

The confirmation came from Raghu Yarlagadda, the co-founder and CEO of FalconX, in a post on January 2nd, after a report by Bloomberg had been published an hour prior.

According to a previous report by Bloomberg on December 31st, it was suggested that the financing for the agreement would come from a mix of FalconX stocks and cash, as per sources knowledgeable about the situation.

Yarlagadda stated that FalconX can now deliver greater value to its institutional clients, as it integrates the Arbelos trading platform with its own resources and regulatory compliance.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that last year marked the entry of US spot crypto exchange-traded funds into the market. Since then, many institutional clients have broadened their horizons to include the crypto derivatives market. This move is driven by the benefits it offers such as capital efficiency, round-the-clock trading access, and enhanced liquidity, as explained by Yarlagadda.

“This isn’t just about scaling FalconX—it’s about building the foundation for the next phase of crypto market growth. A healthy, transparent derivatives market is key to long-term institutional confidence.”

Established in 2018, FalconX positions itself as the globe’s leading cryptocurrency prime brokerage, boasting a trading volume exceeding $1.5 trillion across more than 400 different cryptos for approximately 600 financial institutions.

Arbelos was launched in 2023 by bankers-turned-crypto-traders Joshua Lim and Shiliang Tang.

Earlier, Lim managed the trading desks at Galaxy Digital and the shuttered Genesis Global Trading. On the other hand, Tang held the position of Chief Investment Officer at LedgerPrime, which now operates under the name MNNC Group.

In May of last year, the U.S. commodities regulator was repaid 1.8 million dollars by FalconX, which had neglected to register as a futures commission merchant.

The settlement required FalconX to cease offering services to US residents.

The cryptocurrency trading company maintains branches in Silicon Valley, New York City, London, Hong Kong, Bengaluru (India), Singapore, and Valletta (Malta).

In November 2022, Yarlagadda’s company managed to weather the fall of FTX, as the value of their assets held by FTX only accounted for 18% of their unpledged liquid assets at that moment.

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2025-01-03 05:53