Brett Harrison's Revolutionary Platform Integrates Perpetual Futures into Traditional Assets

Brett Harrison, the former president of FTX US, is spearheading a transformative initiative introducing perpetual futures contracts into traditional asset markets like equities and forex. This innovative trading platform aims to merge the efficiency and adaptability of cryptocurrency perpetual contracts with the regulatory rigor and stability of established financial markets.

Harrison announced the launch plan for "AX," via his financial infrastructure company, Architect, on November 1. AX will be the first centralized, fully regulatory-compliant exchange specifically designed for perpetual futures trading in traditional assets. The groundbreaking platform will enable trading across multiple asset classes, including foreign exchange (forex), individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stock indexes, and commodities.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Harrison detailed how AX harmonizes the robust framework of traditional futures markets with the operational efficiency prevalent in crypto trading systems. It incorporates features such as price bands, volatility halts, dynamic margin requirements tailored to specific asset types, and default management protocols—all intended to maximize security, transparency, and usability. Combined, these measures position AX as a game-changing tool for traders seeking efficiency without compromising oversight.

Strong Investor Backing Signals Industry Confidence

Architect, Harrison’s parent firm for AX, has already secured substantial investor backing, showcasing confidence in the platform's potential to revolutionize financial markets. The company raised a solid $17 million during its Series A funding round, primarily supported by well-known players within the investment landscape such as Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and SALT Fund—an organization led by hedge fund veteran Anthony Scaramucci.

Operating under full compliance with the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), AX has acquired the necessary licensing to function within Bermuda's regulatory ecosystem. This forward-thinking approach reflects Architect’s commitment to adhering to financial compliance standards, minimizing risks while ensuring legitimacy. Such a robust licensing structure uniquely positions AX to deliver seamless trading experiences within a lawful framework—a critical differentiator amidst Harrison’s vision to reliably expand perpetual futures trading globally.

Brett Harrison's Transition: From FTX US to Architect’s Innovative Frontier

Harrison’s journey to leading this financial revolution began with his resignation as president of FTX US in September 2022—mere months before the controversial collapse of parent company FTX. At the time, Harrison cited dissatisfaction with the company’s internal management and operational conflicts, prompting his departure.

Despite the turbulent conclusion to his tenure at FTX US, Harrison's wealth of expertise in both cryptocurrency and trading technologies placed him in a unique position to return to the forefront of financial innovation. Before joining FTX US, Harrison held significant leadership roles at Citadel Securities as head of trading systems technology, focusing on high-performance trading infrastructure. His resume also includes experience at Jane Street, where he helped design advanced systems and collaborated with figures like FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

Harrison’s diverse background in traditional finance and cryptocurrency has guided him toward leveraging the best qualities of both realms. By integrating the streamlined mechanics of crypto perpetual contracts with traditional markets, AX is poised to disrupt the trading ecosystem—offering traders a novel yet familiar approach to trading diverse asset classes.

AX: A Game-Changer in Global Financial Markets

As AX prepares for its launch under Architect, the platform holds the promise of addressing inefficiencies in both crypto and traditional trading systems. By offering institutional-grade safety measures, regulatory transparency, and innovative asset-class integration, AX signifies a bold frontier in financial evolution.

With its strong investor backing, compliance with Bermuda’s regulatory standards, and Brett Harrison’s unmatched leadership and technical expertise, AX is set to redefine the scope of traditional asset trading. As markets continue to evolve and embrace digitization, AX positions itself not only as a trailblazer in the space but as a reliable solution for investors seeking the synthesis of modernity, efficiency, and trust.