Coinbase-Owned Deribit to Debut USDC Bitcoin and Ethereum Options

• Deribit unveils USDC-settled Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives.
• New contracts simplify trading with smaller minimum order sizes.

On August 15, 2025, The Block reported that crypto derivatives exchange Deribit, now owned by Coinbase, will launch USDC-settled linear options and dated futures for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) on August 19, 2025. This strategic initiative aims to meet rising demand from institutional and retail investors for derivatives that use a stablecoin as settlement.

The new products will offer linear payouts, meaning they move in direct proportion to the underlying asset's price. This structure simplifies trading by eliminating the complexities seen in inverse contracts, where movements are calculated inversely against the cryptocurrency's price. The addition of USDC settlements provides a fiat-equivalent alternative for participants seeking greater stability.

To improve accessibility to a broader audience, the new USDC-settled options will feature smaller minimum contract sizes. The minimum order size is set at 0.01 BTC for Bitcoin and 0.1 ETH for Ethereum, making these sophisticated trading tools more attainable for retail traders with lower capital requirements.

These USDC-settled derivatives will run alongside Deribit's existing inverse contracts. The integration allows for enhanced capital efficiency, as both contract types can offset each other for margin purposes. This design aims to optimize user resources and attract traders seeking flexible hedging strategies.

The launch of these instruments comes approximately 18 months after Deribit's successful introduction of linear options for various altcoins. It also follows Coinbase's recent $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, positioning the exchange as a key player in the global crypto derivatives market by combining their respective reach and expertise.

As of August 15, 2025, 15:12 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $117,514.80, with a 0.99% decrease in its 24-hour trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap. Ethereum (ETH) is priced at $4,493.03, reflecting a 3.65% decline in its 24-hour volume. USDC, used for settling these contracts, maintains its price stability at $1.00, with a 0.02% variation in its 24-hour trading activity.