Citadel Securities Plans Crypto Market Entry as Regulations Evolve

Citadel Securities, a major market-making firm based in Miami, is preparing to enter cryptocurrency trading, marking a significant shift in its strategy.

Historically cautious about digital assets due to regulatory uncertainty, the firm is now positioning itself as a liquidity provider, driven in part by former President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance.

Unlike other trading firms, Citadel Securities has avoided retail-heavy exchanges, citing concerns about compliance and oversight. However, with Trump pushing to establish the U.S. as a global leader in crypto, the firm sees new opportunities for institutional engagement.

According to sources, Citadel is exploring market-making roles on major platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Crypto.com, with plans to set up initial operations outside the U.S., depending on regulatory developments.

The company has also been advocating for clearer digital asset regulations, emphasizing the need for structured policies to attract institutional investors. In 2023, Citadel co-founded EDX Markets, a crypto exchange tailored for professional investors, in collaboration with Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments. Unlike retail-focused platforms, EDX follows a traditional market structure similar to equities and fixed income.

Trump’s administration has signaled a potential shift in crypto policy, with early moves such as appointing Hester Peirce, a known crypto advocate, to oversee a dedicated SEC task force. These actions contrast with restrictive measures seen under the Biden administration, setting the stage for a possible resurgence in institutional crypto activity.