The collapse of FTX has left a gaping hole in the cryptocurrency derivatives market, and now Coinbase is positioning itself to become the new market leader. This seismic shift comes at a pivotal moment for the crypto industry as it works to restore trust after last year's implosion.

Crypto Exchange Receives License for Perpetual Futures Outside US

In a landmark move this week, Coinbase announced it has secured regulatory approval in Bermuda to offer perpetual futures trading to users outside the United States. This is the latest step in the company's aggressive push into derivatives following its acquisition of a spot exchange license in Bermuda back in April.

Perpetual futures allow traders to speculate on the future price of an asset using leverage. Instead of expiring like traditional futures contracts, perpetual swaps have a funding rate that keeps pricing tied to the spot market. They have become one of the most popular instruments in the crypto derivatives ecosystem.

Coinbase's perpetual futures launch aims to capitalize on the market share abandoned by FTX, previously the largest crypto derivatives exchange before its shocking collapse last November. The demise of FTX has left trading volumes and liquidity depressed across the industry. Rival exchange Binance now commands an outsized portion of crypto derivatives activity.

Crypto Market Leader Looks to Reignite Growth

The perpetual futures license puts Coinbase in prime position to capture a share of the lucrative crypto derivatives market as it works to reignite growth. In the wake of FTX, daily trading volume across major exchanges plunged from over $150 billion to around $50 billion. Liquidity remains concentrated among just a handful of venues like Binance.

If Coinbase can lure derivatives traders, it could help the exchange continue beating revenue expectations. While its spot volumes lag far behind Binance, analysts say its strong brand could attract institutional investors drawn to its focus on regulatory compliance.

"Coinbase is well positioned to capture market share," said Riyad Carey, an analyst at Kaiko. The exchange generated $1.2 billion in spot trading volume over the past 24 hours compared to Binance's $6 billion. But for derivatives, Binance saw $32 billion in volume - equating to $9.6 million in daily revenue.

Decentralization Can Bolster Market Resilience

The FTX debacle underscores the need for decentralization in crypto to prevent manipulation and improve market integrity. Although Binance now dominates trading activity, it relies on an opaque corporate structure domiciled in multiple jurisdictions. Truly decentralized exchanges like Uniswap that allow peer-to-peer trading on blockchain networks offer an alternative model.

While decentralized finance has challenges to overcome around efficiency and scalability, distributing power among users rather than centralized entities can provide checks against fraud. The growth of decentralized trading protocols could bolster the overall resilience of the crypto ecosystem.

Volatility Ahead as Market Restructures

With the collapse of FTX leaving a vacuum, expect continued volatility in crypto markets over the next year as trading activity migrates across venues. New entrants like Coinbase will jockey for market share while exchanges like Binance that expanded rapidly during the bull run may now face profit pressures.

But this restructuring also provides opportunities for the fittest platforms to thrive. Companies that prioritize compliance and transparent operations can attract institutions hesitant to re-engage crypto. And venues that offer unique trading products can differentiate themselves. While uncertainty remains elevated, those that emerge strongest from the rubble can define the next era of crypto finance.

Should Crypto Traders Trust Centralized Platforms Again?

Many investors are understandably wary of centralized exchanges after high-profile failures like FTX resulted in billions in losses. However, not all centralized platforms carry the same risks. Venues like Coinbase that emphasize regulatory compliance provide far more transparency and oversight than offshore entities. For mainstream traders, regulated centralized exchanges may represent the best option balancing usability with security.

Ultimately, the choice depends on investors' risk tolerance and priorities. Although decentralized alternatives like Uniswap avoid counterparty risk, they currently lack features and liquidity tailored to sophisticated traders. Centralized platforms also offer insured custody and account recovery tools unavailable on decentralized protocols. For those who value these benefits over minimzing counterparty risk, regulated centralized exchanges merit consideration.

Of course, skepticism remains warranted, and venues must continue earning users' trust. But with proper due diligence, traders can identify centralized platforms aligned with their needs and comfort level. The crypto ecosystem benefits from having a diverse mix of trading models. For many mainstream investors, trusted centralized operators filling the void left by FTX's collapse may be the best path forward.

How Can Crypto Derivatives Markets Build Resilience Against Future Shocks?

The failure of major venues like FTX demonstrates the need to bolster risk management and oversight in crypto derivatives. Here are two key ways the market can work to prevent cascading liquidity crises in the future:

• Increase transparency: Derivatives exchanges should provide position and reserve transparency so users can assess counterparty risks. Reporting distributed collateral pools and proof of reserves would help restore trust.
• Diversify liquidity: Relying largely on a handful of centralized platforms creates fragility. Developing a broader decentralized network of liquidity providers can prevent disruptions if any single entity fails.

Robust risk management and governance standards like strict customer asset segregation and custodial audits are also essential. Ultimately, crypto derivatives markets need greater maturity to ensure stability during times of stress. But by proactively addressing structural weaknesses exposed by recent failures, the ecosystem can build resilience and prepare for the next stage of growth.