Bitnomial, a regulated U.S. crypto derivatives exchange, has taken a bold step forward by launching Botanical, an innovative trading platform designed to offer secure and compliant futures and options trading. Backed by a $25 million investment round led by Ripple Labs, this new venture aims to bridge the gap between offshore trading practices and U.S. regulatory standards.
Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Powers Botanical’s Unique Approach
What sets Botanical apart from traditional trading platforms is its integration of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin as a settlement option for perpetual futures. This feature introduces a new level of stability and reliability in a market where volatility is often a concern.
With RLUSD as the foundation for its trading mechanism, Bitnomial provides a safer alternative to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which often require users to navigate legal hurdles with VPNs to trade from the United States.
Brad Garlinghouse Joins Bitnomial’s Board
Ripple’s investment goes beyond financial backing. Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, has joined Bitnomial’s board, signaling a strategic alignment between the two companies. Garlinghouse emphasized that this partnership aims to bring offshore trading expertise into a compliant U.S. market and offer transparent access to digital asset futures.
The Botanical platform, currently in beta, is available to a select group of users and leverages Bitnomial’s CFTC-approved exchange and clearinghouse infrastructure. This move aligns with the company’s long-term goal of creating a regulated market for various derivatives, expanding on its status as one of the few U.S. firms authorized to operate specific contract markets.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges with XRP Futures
Bitnomial’s launch of Botanical comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. crypto market. The exchange has faced hurdles regarding its XRP U.S. Dollar Futures contracts (XUS), which feature physically settled contracts capped at 100,000 XRP each.
In a bid to solidify its regulatory stance, Bitnomial has filed a lawsuit arguing that these contracts fall solely under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)’s jurisdiction. This case highlights the ongoing friction between regulators over how digital assets like XRP should be classified and governed.
Meanwhile, XRP’s recent performance reflects steady momentum, with the token trading at $0.5448, up 1.07% over the past 24 hours, and maintaining a daily trading volume of $1.15 billion.
Also Read: Ripple Recognized By Russian Central Bank – XRP Up 5.3% Amid Cross-Border Payment Buzz
As the crypto landscape evolves, Botanical’s launch could be a turning point for regulated futures trading in the U.S. With Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin anchoring its platform and Garlinghouse’s influence on the board, Bitnomial is well-positioned to navigate the challenges posed by U.S. regulators and deliver innovative solutions for crypto derivatives traders.
This initiative reflects Bitnomial’s ambition to expand its product offerings and provide a secure trading environment, solidifying its place as a pioneer in the U.S. regulated crypto space.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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