FalconX Expands Global Derivatives Footprint with Acquisition of Arbelos Markets
FalconX, a leading digital asset prime broker, today announced its acquisition of Arbelos Markets, a trading firm specializing in crypto derivatives led by industry veterans Joshua Lim, Shiliang Tang, and Sergio Almada Monter. FalconX operates FalconX Bravo Inc., the first CFTC approved swap dealer focused on cryptocurrency derivatives, and this acquisition further reinforces the firm's commitment to expanding its derivatives business and strengthens its position as one of the largest crypto derivatives dealers in the market.
The institutional market has seen significant growth in the last year, driven by positive regulatory momentum along with the growth of ETF and derivatives markets. Similar to traditional asset classes, crypto derivatives will continue to scale to be many multiples of spot markets. FalconX has built a leading position in the derivatives market, consistently ranking as one of the top liquidity providers on Deribit. This acquisition will further enhance FalconX's capabilities to provide customers with access to deeper liquidity and bespoke derivatives solutions, supporting institutions with a more sophisticated and diversified range of trading strategies.
"With over 60% of global derivatives trading activity happening OTC in traditional markets, this acquisition solidifies FalconX's position as the go-to platform for derivatives liquidity", said Raghu Yarlagadda, CEO of FalconX. "Combining Arbelos's systematic trading expertise with FalconX's broad client base, large balance sheet, and regulatory leadership, we're uniquely positioned to address the growing demand for complex trading strategies and bespoke products. Together, we hope to set a new standard for transparency, scale, and innovation in digital asset markets."
Arbelos Markets has established itself as a leading derivatives trading firm across exchanges and bilateral markets. Since its inception in 2023, it has consistently ranked as the number 1 liquidity provider globally in large options blocks. The firm enables access to liquid trading opportunities across crypto-native and traditional venues as well as on-chain protocols. This cross-market capability has made Arbelos a trusted partner for many counterparties exploring emerging digital asset opportunities.
"Joining forces with FalconX achieves our shared mission of offering deep market liquidity, creative risk-expression strategies and hedging tools, and transparency to the crypto derivative markets," said Joshua Lim, CEO of Arbelos Markets. "This combination comes at a critical moment for our industry, with the advent of crypto ETFs, pending regulatory clarity, and an increasing acceptance of crypto's diversifying role in cross-asset portfolios."
About FalconX
FalconX is a leading digital assets prime brokerage providing trading, financing, and technology to the world's leading institutions. FalconX Bravo, Inc., a FalconX affiliate, was the first
CFTC-registered swap dealer focused on cryptocurrency derivatives. We provide the most comprehensive access to global digital asset liquidity. Our 24/7 dedicated team for account, operational and trading needs enables investors to navigate markets around the clock.
The company is backed by investors including Accel, Adams Street Partners, Altimeter Capital, American Express Ventures, B Capital, GIC, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Thoma Bravo, Tiger Global Management and Wellington Management. FalconX has offices in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong, Bengaluru, Singapore and Valletta. For more information visit falconx.io or follow FalconX on X and LinkedIn.
About Arbelos Markets
Arbelos Markets is a principal liquidity provider in crypto derivatives markets. The firm provides around-the-clock liquidity across centralized markets, on-chain protocols, and more bespoke hedging and yield generation solutions. Its team of traders and quantitative engineers has experience across high-touch franchise trading, bespoke products, and electronic
market-making. Arbelos is backed by leading crypto investment firms including Dragonfly, Room40 and Selini, and strategic corporate partners including Circle, Paxos, FalconX, Deribit, Chorus One, Polygon, StarkWare, Immutable. For more information, visit https://arbelos.xyz/
This material is for informational purposes only and is only intended for sophisticated or institutional investors. Neither FalconX Limited, FalconX Bravo, Inc., FalconX Delta, Inc., FalconX Foxtrot Pte Ltd., FalconX Golf Pte Ltd., Solios, Inc., Falcon Labs, Ltd., KestrelX, Ltd., nor Banzai Pipeline Limited (separately and collectively “FalconX”) service retail counterparties, and the information on this website is NOT intended for retail investors. The material published on this website is not (i) an offer, or solicitation of an offer, to invest in, or to buy or sell, any interests or shares, or to participate in any investment or trading strategy, (ii) intended to provide accounting, legal, or tax advice, or investment recommendations, or (iii) an official statement of FalconX or any of its affiliates. Any information contained in this website is not and should not be regarded as investment research, debt research, or derivatives research for the purposes of the rules of the CFTC or any other relevant regulatory body.
Prior to entering into any proposed transaction, recipients should determine, in consultation with their own investment, legal, tax, regulatory, and accounting advisors, the economic risks and merits, as well as the legal, tax, regulatory and accounting characteristics and consequences of the transaction. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, over-the-counter derivatives are only permitted to be traded by "eligible contract participants" (“ECP”s) as defined under Section 1a(18) of the CEA (7 U.S.C. § 1a(18)). Do not consider derivatives or structured products unless you are an ECP and fully understand and are willing to assume the risks.
Solios, Inc. and FalconX Delta, Inc. are registered as federal money services businesses with FinCEN. FalconX Bravo, Inc. is registered with the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a swap dealer and a member of the National Futures Association. FalconX Limited, FalconX Bravo, Inc., FalconX Delta, Inc., Falcon Labs Ltd., and Solios, Inc. are not registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. FalconX Golf Pte. Ltd. is not required to be registered or licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). MAS has granted FalconX Foxtrot Pte. Ltd. a temporary exemption from holding a license under the PSA for the payment services caught under the expanded scope of regulated activities for a specified period. FalconX Limited is a registered Class 3 VFA service provider with the Malta Financial Services Authority under the Virtual Financial Assets Act of 2018. FalconX Limited is licensed to provide the following services to Experienced Investors, Execution of orders on behalf of other persons, Custodian or Nominee Services, and Dealing on own account. FalconX’s complaint policy can be accessed by sending a request to complaints@falconx.io
"FalconX" is a marketing name for FalconX Limited and its affiliates. Availability of products and services is subject to jurisdictional limitations and capabilities of each FalconX entity. For information about which legal entities offer trading products and services, or if you are considering entering into a derivatives transaction, please reach out to your Sales or Trading representative.
