Arkham Intelligence, a blockchain analytics firm, announced the launch of its cryptocurrency derivatives exchange on Nov. 6.
This platform aims to cater to retail traders and compete with established names like Binance.
Arkham revealed that the exchange will integrate its blockchain research, live on-chain audits, and proof-of-reserve (PoR) features.
Trading is set to begin next week but will exclude U.S. users, as stated in Arkham’s post on X.
The crypto derivatives market has seen significant growth, driven largely by retail trading activity.
According to CCData, trading volumes in this sector surpassed $3 trillion in September, doubling from approximately $1.5 trillion a year earlier.
Established exchanges are increasingly venturing into crypto derivatives, as seen with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), which launched its Bitcoin Friday Futures (BFF) in September, calling it the “most successful crypto futures launch ever.”
Arkham’s move comes in a climate of optimism following Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5.
Analysts predict that this political shift will encourage a surge in crypto products and a more favorable regulatory stance from federal agencies.
Bitfinex researchers foresee a “new wave of hope” in the crypto market, anticipating a reduction in regulatory hostility.
Arkham, known for its blockchain tracking tools and wallet address identification services, has been backed by notable investors, including Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.
The company raised $12 million in funding to support its ventures.
This new derivatives platform marks Arkham’s expansion into trading services, positioning it to leverage its analytics expertise and meet the rising demand in the rapidly evolving crypto market.