Robinhood Markets Inc., the popular commission-free trading platform, is making moves in expanding its cryptocurrency offerings and geographical reach. The company has launched its services in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, while simultaneously exploring the possibility of introducing cryptocurrency futures trading in both the United States and Europe.
Robinhood Expands Crypto Offerings, Eyes Futures Trading in US and Europe
The expansion into Hawaii comes on the heels of a regulatory change by the state's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which no longer requires cryptocurrency services to obtain a money transmitter license to operate in the state. This move has opened the door for Robinhood to tap into a market previously known for its strict financial regulations.
Thanks to this latest update, Robinhood Crypto services are available in every US state except New York. However, the process of obtaining licenses in various administrative regions of the United States has been lengthy, stretching over the last six years.
Crypto trading on Robinhood is now available in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands ???? pic.twitter.com/rpO4WDoLK3
— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) July 2, 2024
Crypto Futures in the US and Europe Soon
In a parallel development, sources familiar with the matter revealed to Bloomberg that Robinhood is considering offering cryptocurrency futures in the US. and Europe in the coming months. The company reportedly plans to leverage licenses from its recent $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp Ltd., a deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.
The company increasingly focuses on cryptocurrency services in Europe, having launched a staking service just under two months ago. Currently, it is based solely on the Solana token, but it is expected to be expanded to include additional assets in the future.
Robinhood considering offering crypto futures in US, Europe, Bloomberg reports https://t.co/qgbfe7PzyC pic.twitter.com/QEaiAboIim
— Reuters Tech News (@ReutersTech) July 2, 2024
If the plans materialize, Robinhood could offer perpetual futures for Bitcoin and other digital tokens in Europe, utilizing Bitstamp's existing licenses. In the US, the company is eyeing the launch of CME-based futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum.
However, a Robinhoodrepresentative cautioned that these plans are not set in stone, stating, "We have no imminent plans to launch these offerings.”
The potential move into crypto derivatives comes at a time when the global market for such products is booming. Recent data from crypto researcher CCData indicates that in May, derivatives trading volumes reached $3.69 trillion, surpassing the $1.58 trillion in spot trading on centralized exchanges.
Despite receiving a Wells notice from the US Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year, Robinhood appears undeterred in its crypto ambitions. The company has been actively broadening its cryptocurrency strategy, as evidenced by its Bitstamp acquisition and the recent obtainment of a futures broker license from Marex.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
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