Deribit Launches Block RFQ System to Improve Liquidity for Large Over-the-Counter Trades

Deribit, the leading crypto options exchange, has launched a Block Request-For-Quote (RFQ) interface, allowing traders to execute large over-the-counter (OTC) trades with improved efficiency and liquidity.

The feature, available to all users but tailored for high-volume traders, enables direct negotiation of block trades without impacting public order books, according to a press release.

The Block RFQ system supports complex trading structures, allowing users to combine options, futures, and spot pairs with up to 20 legs in a single trade, yet using the system is subject to a higher minimum trade size.

The platform uses a multi-maker model that allows multiple liquidity providers to offer partial quotes rather than requiring all-or-nothing fills, while allowing third-party platforms to connect to the Block RFQ system to pool liquidity from multiple sources, per the release.

Deribit announced the new system shortly after Sygnum Bank expanded its custody platform to include the derivatives exchange. The trading platform, it’s worth noting, is reportedly in talks with Kraken for a potential acquisition.