Coinbase Partners with Kemet to Enhance Institutional Crypto Derivatives Trading

In a move that underscores the growing institutional interest in crypto derivatives, Coinbase has partnered with Kemet, an Egyptian-founded startup based in New York. This collaboration will simplify access to Coinbase’s suite of trading venues—including Coinbase Exchange, Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, Coinbase International Exchange, and Deribit—through a single platform.

The deal marks a significant step for both companies. For Coinbase, it represents an opportunity to broaden its reach among institutional clients seeking sophisticated derivatives trading capabilities. Meanwhile, Kemet gains validation as a key infrastructure provider in the evolving crypto ecosystem.

Institutional Derivatives Market Gains Momentum

The partnership comes at a time when institutional adoption of crypto derivatives is accelerating globally. According to Chainalysis, Africa’s largest cryptocurrency markets (including Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana) received $182.1 billion in value between July 2024 and June 2025—a remarkable 72% increase from the previous year.

While retail crypto usage remains robust across the continent, institutional-grade derivatives trading has lagged behind due to regulatory uncertainties and limited market infrastructure. Coinbase’s partnership with Kemet aims to address these challenges by providing a more accessible and compliant onramp for institutions looking to participate in this asset class.

Strategic Alignment Between Coinbase and Kemet

“Coinbase effectively combined options, perpetuals, dated futures, and spot trading all under one single household,” noted Ash Ashmawy, Kemet’s CEO and founder. “That means they’ll want to unlock very advanced institutional experiences on top of their stack, and we’re happy to be chosen as a partner to build these experiences for Coinbase’s clients.”

The partnership also includes an undisclosed investment from Coinbase Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm—further signaling confidence in Kemet’s potential.