'$2.9 Billion' Deribit Acquired by Coinbase... "Considering Additional M&A"

Brian Armstrong, CEO of the US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, stated that he is "always looking for M&A opportunities."

In an interview with Bloomberg on the 14th (local time), CEO Armstrong said, "We have the financial capacity to utilize for acquisitions," and added, "One of the advantages of being a public company is having liquidity for acquisitions," while noting, "We are reviewing acquisition opportunities but won't swing at every pitch." He further mentioned, "We are particularly looking at overseas business opportunities."

The stablecoin issuer Circle was also mentioned. Ripple, the issuer of XRP, recently proposed an acquisition of Circle worth $4 billion to $5 billion, but it was reportedly rejected. CEO Armstrong said, "There is nothing to announce today regarding the acquisition of Circle."

Meanwhile, Coinbase decided earlier this month to acquire the virtual asset derivatives exchange Deribit for $2.9 billion (approximately 4 trillion won). Additionally, Coinbase will be included in the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) index, a benchmark index of the US stock market, starting from the 19th. CEO Brian stated, "Inclusion in the S&P 500 index has proven that cryptocurrencies will continue to exist."