D2X Raises $5M to Expand Crypto Derivatives Exchange for Institutions

D2X, an Amsterdam-based crypto derivatives exchange designed for institutional investors, has raised 4.3 million euro ($5 million) in a strategic funding round.

Circle Ventures, CMT Digital and Canton Ventures joined the raise as strategic investors, alongside the renewed backing of Point72 Ventures, Tioga Capital, GSR, and Fortino Capital.

Licensed under the EU’s MiFID II framework as a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF), D2X claims to be the first regulated crypto derivatives exchange in a Tier-1 jurisdiction operating seven days a week.

The firm recently launched USD-denominated bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) futures, with options on both assets expected soon.

The crypto derivatives space is heating up with large exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken acquiring derivatives platforms, and a steady stream of new offerings coming to market.

CMT Digital’s Charlie Sandor said the firm invested in D2X because it bridges a key gap for institutions: a lack of regulatory clarity and infrastructure that operates on weekends.

“D2X sets a new benchmark for crypto derivatives in Europe,” Sandor said.

The firm’s collateral is held off-exchange in partnership with banks, a feature that caters to risk-averse investors wary of centralized custody.