GFO-X Launches Regulated Digital Asset Derivatives Trading Venue
First Institutional Trade Successfully Executed
The New UK Trading Venue Brings Institutional-Grade Market Infrastructure, Central Clearing, and Deep Liquidity to Digital Asset Derivatives
LONDON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GFO-X today announced the successful launch of its UK FCA regulated trading venue for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives. The venue is designed to meet the increasing institutional demand for secure, transparent, and compliant digital asset futures and options. GFO-X brings together best-in-class market infrastructure, deep liquidity, and central clearing to solve for credit and significantly reduce counterparty risk.
As part of its successful debut, the first institutional trade between two leading financial institutions, Virtu Financial and IMC, was executed on GFO-X and centrally cleared through LCH DigitalAssetClear, marking a milestone in the evolution of institutional-grade digital asset markets. The new venue brings additional depth, breadth, and diversification to the limited choices in centrally cleared digital asset index derivatives.
GFO-X CEO, Arnab Sen
, said
, '
The launch of GFO-X is a further foundational step toward increased institutional digital asset derivatives trading, providing the infrastructure, central clearing, robust risk mitigation, and liquidity. With our first trade executed between two leading financial institutions providing deep liquidity, we are expanding the market for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives.'
Addressing the Institutional Surge in Digital Asset Derivatives
Demand
The global market for digital asset derivatives has seen explosive growth, with options and futures trading volumes growing exponentially. Institutional investors, including hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and asset managers, increasingly turn to structured products underpinned by derivatives to hedge risk, enhance yield strategies, and gain exposure to crypto markets with greater regulatory clarity.
GFO-X
has been purpose-built to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets by offering:
Regulated Trading & Transparency
– Operating under UK FCA authorisation, ensuring compliance with global financial standards.
Institutional-Grade Liquidity
– Deep order books supported by industry leading market makers and participants, including
IMC, Laser Digital and Virtu Financial.
Leading Clearing Bank integrations at launch – including
ABN AMRO Clearing, Nomura and Standard Chartered.
Central Clearing for Counterparty Risk Mitigation by LCH DigitalAssetClear
ensures secure margining, collateral management, and default protections.
Advanced Market Infrastructure
– A high-speed matching engine designed for low-latency execution and high-frequency trading.
With institutional adoption accelerating, GFO-X will continue expanding its product suite, initially offering Bitcoin index futures and options.
Market participants can now onboard and begin trading, with several additional leading financial institutions already lined up for integration. As institutions increasingly seek regulated, scalable solutions for digital asset derivatives trading, GFO-X is positioned to become a premier venue in the evolving landscape of institutional crypto derivative markets.
For more information about GFO-X and its upcoming developments, please visit
www.gfo-x.com
or contact
[email protected]
. For press enquiries, contact Serra Balls, Eterna Partners
[email protected]
.
Marcus Robinson, Head of DigitalAssetClear and CDSClear, LCH
, said, 'We are delighted to partner with GFO-X to launch this highly anticipated service from LCH SA. The regulated clearing infrastructure within LSEG's post trade ecosystem has allowed us to build something meaningful for our participants and address the availability of options for a rapidly growing asset class. It is essential that we find ways to offer regulated, segregated and trusted routes to provide customers with a diverse breadth of services and we are excited to continue working with GFO-X to offer a regulated marketplace for this asset class.'
Barry Polak, Lead Product Commerce, ABN AMRO Clearing,
said,
'
We are
excited to partner with GFO-X, the UK's first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This strategic collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing the institutional digital asset futures and options market. By leveraging LCH DigitalAssetClear's clearing services, we enhance transaction security and minimise counterparty risk, offering our clients unparalleled confidence in trading Bitcoin futures and options. A
logical step to continue to lead the way to safe and transparent markets.'
Osi Lilian, IMC Strategic Investments Co-Lead
, said, 'IMC was proud to be one of the earliest investors in GFO-X in 2021. We aligned with their vision of establishing the UK's first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue for digital asset derivatives, built on secure, high-performance technology and robust risk management. As a market maker, our strategic connection with GFO-X underscores our commitment to the institutional digital asset futures and options market – a rapidly evolving space we believe holds significant potential for continued growth and opportunity.'
Olivier Dang, Head of Ventures at Laser Digital
, said, 'We are thrilled to partner with GFO-X as they launch the UK's first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to drive innovation and growth in the digital asset market.'
Andy Ross, Global Head, Prime & Financing, Financing & Securities Service, Standard Chartered,
said, 'We're delighted to support the launch of GFO-X derivatives and to join LCH SA as a general clearing member to enable our clients to trade and clear. We continue to invest in servicing our clients broadly across the crypto space in coin, token and derivative form.
'
Virtu
makes markets globally and is excited to support new and innovative platforms for digital assets in this role. We see broadening adoption and increasing demand as the crypto markets continue to mature and embrace the risk management benefits and capital efficiencies of centralised clearing.'
About GFO-X
GFO-X is the UK's first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives.
GFO-X provides comprehensive risk management with clearing provided by the London Stock Exchange Group's (LSEG) LCH SA DigitalAssetClear.
Combining proprietary high-performance technology with industry-leading partnerships and infrastructure, GFO-X delivers the requirements necessary to grow the institutional digital asset derivatives market.
Backed by M&G Investments and authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2022, GFO-X's regulation-first approach has enabled it to partner with some of the largest financial institutions in the world.
GFO-X believes the digital asset futures and options markets will grow exponentially over the coming years as the asset class matures and more sophisticated investors begin to participate in greater size. By solving market constraints such as counterparty risks and technology challenges, GFO-X has been established to deliver a robust market structure and innovative products to propel the next leg of growth of the digital asset ecosystem.
Contact:
[email protected]
+44 7762943498
GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001096243
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Biz Bahrain
6 hours ago
- Biz Bahrain
Crypto Miners: Cryptocurrency Mining in Bahrain Reinforces Its Global Industry Leadership
Crypto Miners, a leading company specializing in the sale, installation, and maintenance of cryptocurrency mining equipment, stated that the growing momentum of mining operations—particularly Bitcoin and other digital currencies—within Bahrain is significantly enhancing the kingdom's status as a competitive regional hub and an influential player in the global cryptocurrency market. This progress is also contributing to the attraction of increased foreign direct investment into this promising sector. The company highlighted that Bahrain's progressive financial ecosystem and well-structured legislative framework, coupled with a rising societal awareness of digital economy concepts, form a solid foundation for companies to enter and thrive in the cryptocurrency domain. Crypto Miners pointed out that Bahrain's balanced regulatory environment, supported by advanced tech infrastructure, provides an ideal foundation for the sustainable growth of the cryptocurrency mining sector. These conditions enable Bahraini firms not only to flourish locally but also to export their expertise and services to international markets. Mr. Wassim Saaduddin, Technical Sales Manager at Crypto Miners, underscored the company's ongoing support for the development of the cryptocurrency mining sector in Bahrain, noting that this commitment stems from a strong belief in Bahrain's potential to emerge as a global centre for digital currency mining. Mr. Saaduddin said, 'Crypto Miners operates under a comprehensive vision focused on localizing this high-tech industry, establishing the required infrastructure, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge through the training of skilled national talent.' Mr. Saaduddin further added, 'As part of its corporate social responsibility, Crypto Miners is committed to enhancing public awareness of digital currencies across various segments of Bahraini society. We actively engage in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, while also striving to provide safe and reliable investment opportunities in the sector. Through our strategic efforts, we aim to contribute to positioning Bahrain as a regional and global leader in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies—an objective that fully aligns with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes innovation and digital transformation.'
Biz Bahrain
a day ago
- Biz Bahrain
Millennials and Gen Z are betting on Bitcoin over Gold – But should they?
As gold prices hover near record highs, driven by insatiable central bank demand, a striking new global poll by deVere Group reveals that 73% of investors aged 24 to 45 now favour Bitcoin over the precious metal as a long-term investment. The survey of 730 clients worldwide captures a dramatic shift in mindset among younger investors, even as central banks quietly amass tonnes of gold at a scale not seen in decades. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations, says: 'The momentum behind Bitcoin among younger investors is undeniable. They see it as digital gold – borderless, accessible, and aligned with the future. But gold is far from obsolete. In fact, it's surging, and there's no clearer sign of that than the silent buying spree by the world's monetary authorities.' According to recent analysis, central banks are snapping up around 80 metric tonnes of gold each month – the equivalent of $8.5 billion at current prices. Much of this buying is deliberately obscured, but trade data shows that China and several unnamed players, funnelling purchases through Switzerland, are key drivers. Combined with sovereign wealth funds, these institutions are thought to be absorbing over 1,000 tonnes a year, around a quarter of total global mined supply, according to the World Gold Council. This demand has helped propel gold into a powerful bull market. Prices have already breached all-time highs in recent months and continue to push upwards. Earlier this year, Nigel Green forecast that gold would climb to $5,000 per ounce in 2025, while Bitcoin would surge to $150,000 – setting new historical benchmarks for both. 'The two are not rivals,' explained the deVere CEO. 'They are radically different assets solving different problems. Gold is stability. Bitcoin is growth. If you want to build and protect wealth over the long term, you should be holding both.' He warns against an 'either-or' approach at a time when macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and geopolitical risk are all in play. 'The world's most powerful institutions are increasing their gold reserves. That tells you everything. They don't do this on a whim. At the same time, Bitcoin's unique structure and scarcity make it highly attractive to a generation skeptical of legacy systems and inflationary currencies.' The younger cohort surveyed by deVere sees Bitcoin as a cornerstone of modern portfolios. Many respondents cited its transparency, portability, and potential for exponential upside as key reasons behind their preference. The fact that it operates outside traditional banking systems was also a frequently noted advantage. But Nigel Green cautions against being swept away by ideology or hype. 'This generation is right to question the old models. But diversification is timeless. Having uncorrelated assets in your portfolio is how you build true resilience. Gold and Bitcoin together offer that balance.' Central banks are unlikely to let up. Even as the details of their purchases remain cloaked, the trajectory is clear. The long-term accumulation of gold by official institutions signals a strategic response to currency debasement, growing fiscal risk, and a shifting global power dynamic. At the same time, Bitcoin is moving toward broader acceptance. Spot ETFs in major financial markets, growing corporate adoption, and increasingly accommodative regulatory frameworks have added legitimacy and fresh demand. 'We're living through a rare convergence,' adds Nigel Green. 'You have the old guard doubling down on gold, and the new guard surging into Bitcoin. Both are being driven by the same core fear: erosion of purchasing power. That should be a wake-up call.' He concludes: 'It's not about choosing sides. It's about positioning for a world where monetary policy, technology, and global influence are all in flux.'
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Coinbase CEO Fears Bitcoin Replaces Dollar If US Debt Grows As Elon Musk Calls For Firing Of 215 Republicans
Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, issued a stark warning this week: if U.S. lawmakers don't get the national debt under control, Bitcoin could supplant the dollar as the world's reserve currency. 'If the electorate doesn't hold Congress accountable to reducing the deficit, and start paying down the debt, Bitcoin is going to take over as reserve currency,' Armstrong posted on X. 'I love Bitcoin, but a strong America is also super important for the world. We need to get our finances under control.' His comment was a direct response to a post from World of Statistics showing U.S. national debt figures over time. The numbers paint a dramatic picture: debt has soared from $5.7 trillion in 2000 to $36.9 trillion in 2025, a more than sixfold increase in just 25 years. The tweet sparked widespread debate, drawing reactions from prominent figures across crypto and mainstream culture. YouTube creator MrBeast asked bluntly, 'We're just going to casually build up over $100 trillion in debt in our lifetimes, and people will just continue to be chill with it and loan us money?' Crypto influencer Wendy O weighed in with skepticism: 'Bitcoin will never be a reserve currency because of its volatility. But it will be desired. A stablecoin… yes.' Meanwhile, HODL15Capital echoed Armstrong's concern from a different angle: 'Bitcoin has no top because fiat printing will never end.' Elon Musk retweeted the post and replied with an American flag emoji. Musk appears genuinely frustrated with the current administration after leaving his White House position. He attacked Republican Congressmen who voted in favor of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' calling it 'a disgusting abomination' in government spending. Musk also echoed Armstrong's sentiment in another post: 'Interest payments already consume 25% of all government revenue. If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else.' Musk's late-night tirade continued across multiple posts, claiming, 'Mammoth spending bills are bankrupting America!' He also called for firing all politicians who supported the bill in next year's midterms, declaring, 'In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.' The statement was made while quote-tweeting a post by Matt Van Swol highlighting GOP overspending, ignoring DOGE cuts, and spending too much time on vacation. All but five Republican congressmen voted 'YES' on the controversial bill, while all 214 Democrats voted 'NO.' The backdrop to this discourse is a troubling fiscal trajectory. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, the interest on the federal debt alone will approach $1 trillion this year and could double by the mid-2030s. Rising entitlement costs, pandemic-era spending, and bipartisan reluctance to raise taxes or cut popular programs have all contributed to ballooning deficits. The dollar's position as the global reserve currency has long been underpinned by the scale and perceived stability of the U.S. economy and deep and liquid Treasury markets. Replacing that infrastructure with Bitcoin would require seismic shifts in monetary policy, financial regulation, and sovereign behavior. Still, institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to grow. With BTC trading above $100,000 in 2025 and spot ETFs now widely available, the narrative of Bitcoin as 'digital gold' has moved from the fringes into boardrooms. Yet, it remains a relatively volatile asset and lacks the macroeconomic levers, such as interest rates and fiscal control, that underpin fiat systems. Still, Bitcoin volatility is declining, reducing the strength of this criticism. Click here to read more…
