Daily Brief: September 10, 2025
Ripple Expands, Gemini's Big Move, Cboe Futures Launch
Ripple and BBVA are teaming up to enhance crypto custody in Europe, aligning with EU regulations and signaling increased bank involvement in digital assets. Meanwhile, Gemini's IPO, bolstered by a $50 million investment from Nasdaq, marks a significant step in institutional crypto adoption. Cboe's launch of continuous Bitcoin and Ethereum futures offers a regulated alternative, boosting accessibility and liquidity for U.S. traders. These developments highlight the growing integration of crypto into mainstream finance.
🤝 Ripple and BBVA Boost Crypto Custody in Europe
Ripple has expanded its partnership with Spanish banking giant BBVA to boost digital asset custody services in Europe. This collaboration enables BBVA to integrate Ripple's custody technology into its retail offerings for Bitcoin and Ether trading. This step aligns with the EU's new MiCA regulation, which provides a clear framework for banks to offer digital asset services.
The partnership between Ripple and BBVA began in 2017, with BBVA initially using Ripple's technology for international money transfers. Over the years, BBVA’s Swiss branch adopted Ripple-owned Metaco’s platform for crypto custody, and its Turkish subsidiary collaborated with Ripple and IBM to enhance digital asset security. This strategic relationship highlights BBVA's commitment to blockchain innovation.
By adopting Ripple Custody, BBVA aims to provide secure, compliant custody services, using the EU's MiCA framework. This partnership not only strengthens Ripple's presence in Europe but also positions BBVA to tap into the growing demand for digital assets. Ripple's technology offers an institutional-grade, self-custody solution designed for financial institutions.
Why it matters: This partnership illustrates how regulatory clarity is enabling traditional banks to expand into crypto services, signaling growing mainstream adoption of digital assets in Europe.
💼 Nasdaq Backs Gemini IPO with $50M Investment
Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, is preparing for a $317 million initial public offering (IPO) with Nasdaq stepping in as a strategic investor. Nasdaq's $50 million investment through a private placement marks a significant partnership. This collaboration allows Nasdaq to integrate Gemini’s crypto custody and staking services, while Gemini's institutional clients gain access to Nasdaq’s Calypso platform for trading collateral management.
The IPO, aiming for a $2.22 billion valuation, will make Gemini the third publicly traded U.S. crypto exchange, following Coinbase and Bullish. This move highlights the growing institutional interest and legitimization of crypto exchanges in traditional financial markets. Gemini plans to use the IPO proceeds for corporate purposes, including product development and debt repayment.
Nasdaq's investment is more than just funding; it signifies a broader trend of integrating blockchain assets into regulated financial markets. Gemini is also expanding its European presence by launching staking and derivatives products under EU regulatory frameworks. This strategic focus on compliant growth in major markets highlights the increasing convergence between traditional financial markets and cryptocurrency infrastructure.
Why it matters: This partnership bridges traditional finance with crypto, advancing tokenized assets and institutional crypto services under regulated frameworks, signaling maturation in the crypto industry.
📈 Cboe Set to Launch Continuous Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures
Cboe Global Markets is set to launch continuous futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum on November 10. These contracts provide a regulated alternative to offshore perpetual futures, offering long-term exposure without the hassle of rolling over contracts. This initiative is part of Cboe's strategy to broaden its digital asset offerings and meet the rising demand for crypto derivatives.
The continuous futures will have a 10-year expiration and are designed to be cash-settled with daily adjustments based on real-time spot prices. This setup aims to simplify risk management for both institutional and retail investors in the U.S. The contracts will be cleared through Cboe Clear U.S., ensuring they comply with regulatory standards set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Cboe plans to hold educational sessions to help traders understand these new futures. By offering these contracts, Cboe is not only expanding its crypto derivatives lineup but also enhancing market liquidity and accessibility for U.S. traders. This development marks a significant step in integrating digital assets within traditional financial markets.
Why it matters: This launch provides a regulated, transparent alternative to offshore futures, enhancing market integrity and accessibility for U.S. traders.