FTX, a Binance-backed derivatives exchange, is planning to enter the United States market offering sport cryptocurrency trading.
First reported by The Block, the crypto exchange is already testing its new United States-based services in beta phase and is targeting to fully launch it in May.
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FTX is currently in the process of gaining the mandatory licenses from the US authorities for its operation in the country. According to its website, the US entity is already registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and is currently in the process of gaining money transmitter licenses (MTL) from several states.
“West Realm Shires Services Inc. (“FTX.US”) is generally regulated on both the Federal and State level and the primary regulatory compliance obligations are within the United States,” the exchange stated.
“FTX.US is required to comply with many financial services and consumer protection laws. On the Federal level, the primary concern is anti-money laundering controls, and proper implementation of FTX.US’s policies and procedures to deter such activity.”
From Asia to the US
Launched last year, FTX has become one of the well-known crypto derivatives exchanges with its perpetual contracts. It also raised $8 million last year and is backed by giants like Binance, Consensus Lab, and Proof-of-Capital.
FTX will keep its US operations independent and will maintain separate order books for the US and the primary derivatives business.
FTX.US is now testing its trading services with six major digital currencies – BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, PAXG, and USDT – against the US dollar. However, before the official launch, it has plans to add more digital currencies and fiat on-ramp options.
Meanwhile, FTX has recently introduced oil futures trading, following the crash in the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices.