- SC Ventures, part of Standard Chartered, spearheads a crucial investment in One Trading, setting a new standard for cryptocurrency derivatives trading in Europe.
- One Trading, now licensed in the Netherlands, becomes the first EU platform to offer regulated crypto perpetual futures accessible to retail clients.
The realm of cryptocurrency trading is witnessing a significant evolution with One Trading, recently rebranded from Bitpanda Pro, setting a new benchmark in the industry. This transformation comes on the heels of obtaining a critical regulatory approval that positions One Trading as the inaugural platform in the EU for crypto perpetual futures trading, compliant under MiFID II directives.
Navigating Through Regulatory Approvals
The journey towards regulatory compliance and market expansion began with One Trading’s successful acquisition of an Organised Trading Facility (OTF) License from the Dutch Financial Markets Authority in July 2024. This approval not only underscores the platform’s adherence to stringent regulatory standards but also marks a milestone as the first MiFID II-compliant crypto derivatives trading venue in the EU.
The backing from SC Ventures, the investment arm of Standard Chartered, further cements One Trading’s position in the market. SC Ventures has committed to fostering innovation in the digital assets sphere, as underscored by their strategic investment in One Trading. This partnership is poised to leverage SC Ventures’ robust multinational banking expertise to enhance the infrastructure of the digital assets market.
Joshua Barraclough, the Founder and CEO of One Trading, remarked on the significance of this collaboration:
“SC Ventures is not merely an investor but a pivotal component in our quest to drive forward the infrastructure needed for digital assets markets. Their involvement is expected to bring substantial value to both One Trading and our clientele.”
Expanding Horizons in Crypto Trading
The initiative by One Trading to launch crypto perpetual futures in the EU is not only a strategic move to expand its services but also aligns with the growing demand for more sophisticated trading instruments among retail and institutional investors. This move is notably significant as it introduces the first cash-settled perpetual futures platform in Europe, including the UK, tailored to retail clients.
Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, highlighted the dual focus on innovation and consumer protection:
“Financial innovation should not come at the cost of consumer protection. With the OTF License, One Trading is well-equipped to provide a secure trading environment, enhancing the infrastructure for all market participants across the EU and beyond.”
As the landscape of cryptocurrency trading continues to evolve, the support from heavyweight backers like SC Ventures, along with other notable investors such as MiddleGame Ventures, Valar, and SpeedInvest, demonstrates a robust confidence in the future of regulated crypto markets in Europe. This funding not only fuels the expansion plans of One Trading but also signifies a growing acceptance and maturation of cryptocurrency as a legitimate and regulated financial asset in the European market.
Meanwhile, the broader Bitpanda ecosystem continues to thrive, positioning itself as a comprehensive investing platform. Its recent collaborations and user base expansion underscore its commitment to enhancing cryptocurrency trading and investment services across Europe and the MENA region. This strategic focus is evidenced by its recent partnerships, like that with CoinMENA, to bolster its presence and service offerings in the Middle East, reflecting its ambition to remain at the forefront of the cryptocurrency investment sector.