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.

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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.

Alexander Zdravkov