- 1. Robinhood Crypto Exchange Acquires Bitstamp
- 2. Tether Invests Millions in XREX to Boost Digital Asset Innovation
- 3. Bitpanda and Deutsche Bank Partner for Real-Time Banking Services
- 4. Kaiko Partners with Gemini to Boost Derivatives Trading
- 5. Anchorage Digital Expands Crypto Custody with $USDY and $OUSG
- 6. Conclusion
Welcome to this week’s crypto news review, where we look at the biggest stories in the digital asset world. Our top story is Robinhood Markets, Inc.’s landmark acquisition of Bitstamp Ltd., which aims to widen its global reach.
Other notable events this week:
- Tether made a large investment in XREX Group to boost digital asset innovation.
- Bitpanda partnered with Deutsche Bank for real-time banking services.
- Kaiko began working with Gemini to improve derivatives trading.
- Anchorage Digital expanded its crypto custody with new assets.
Let’s dive into these stories for a full overview of the latest in the crypto industry.
Robinhood Crypto Exchange Acquires Bitstamp
In the biggest news of this week, Robinhood Markets, Inc. announced a deal to acquire Bitstamp Ltd. The goal is to grow its crypto offering and global reach. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Robinhood plans to bring Bitstamp’s trusted exchange services into its platform. It wants to serve both retail and institutional customers across the EU, UK, US and Asia.
For the first time, Robinhood will enter the institutional market. It will use Bitstamp’s reputation for reliable trade execution and deep order books. Bitstamp also brings extra services that will add to Robinhood’s offer:
- Its core spot exchange, with over 84 tradable assets
- A white label solution
- Institutional lending
- Staking
Bitstamp’s team will join Robinhood to work together on new products.
| Deal detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Price | About $200 million in cash |
| Expected close | First half of 2025 |
| Robinhood’s financial advisor | Barclays Capital (exclusive) |
| Bitstamp’s advisor | Galaxy Digital Partners |
Tether Invests Millions in XREX to Boost Digital Asset Innovation
Tether, the issuer of the $USDT stablecoin, has invested $18.75 million in XREX Group. XREX is a regulated, blockchain-based financial firm. This is the second most important story of the week. The deal aims to boost innovation in digital assets.
The partnership has two main goals:
- Cross-border payments: with Tether’s funding, XREX will offer compliant cross-border B2B payments in emerging markets using $USDT.
- Regulatory Technology (RegTech): the firms will build tools to detect and prevent the illegal use of stablecoins.
The investment shows Tether’s push to bring crypto to underserved communities. Leaders at both firms said it is part of their mission to support financial inclusion and growth in emerging markets.
Bitpanda and Deutsche Bank Partner for Real-Time Banking Services
Crypto exchange Bitpanda has partnered with Deutsche Bank to offer real-time payment services. This is another big story and one of the top 3 this week. Under the deal, Deutsche Bank will provide local IBANs (bank account numbers) for Bitpanda users in Germany. Users can then deposit and withdraw funds safely.
The deal is the first time a major foreign bank has worked with a crypto company to link traditional and digital finance. It highlights Bitpanda’s strong brand and reliability. The partnership aims to remove hurdles for users managing their money. It enables smooth transfers and payments through Deutsche Bank’s services.
Kaiko Partners with Gemini to Boost Derivatives Trading
Kaiko has partnered with Gemini to improve Gemini Foundation, Gemini’s derivatives trading platform. Gemini will use Kaiko’s Benchmark Reference Rates to value portfolios more accurately.
How the reference rates work:
- They use price data from Gemini and other trusted sources.
- They update every five seconds.
- They help users trade assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana without holding them.
- Valuations are shown in Gemini’s stablecoin, GUSD.
William Cai, managing director of Kaiko Indices, was excited about the deal. He stressed Kaiko’s focus on quality data and reliable indices. Neil Sheppard, Head of Derivatives at Gemini, said the aim is to give users accurate market data for better trading decisions. The deal should build more trust in the crypto derivatives market.
Anchorage Digital Expands Crypto Custody with $USDY and $OUSG
Anchorage Digital has added two new tokens, $USDY and $OUSG, to its custody platform, as announced by Ondo Finance. This expansion strengthens Anchorage Digital’s role as a leading crypto services provider. Its services include custody, governance, settlement, staking, trading and strong security.
Anchorage Digital is home to the only federally chartered crypto bank in the US. It also serves global institutions through Anchorage Digital Singapore and Porto by Anchorage Digital.
Justin Schmidt, President and COO of Ondo Finance, stressed the value of the partnership. He said institutions need Anchorage Digital to navigate the complex digital asset market. Deals like this help bring crypto into capital and trading markets.
Conclusion
This week’s news shows how fast the crypto industry is moving. Robinhood’s purchase of Bitstamp sets the stage for big growth in global crypto trading. Tether’s investment in XREX aims to drive new ideas in digital asset payments.
Bitpanda’s deal with Deutsche Bank links traditional and digital finance. Kaiko’s work with Gemini improves derivatives trading. Anchorage Digital’s new assets show its focus on secure custody. Together, these moves show crypto becoming part of mainstream finance. For more, see our best crypto exchanges guide.
