IG Group has finalized the sale of its North American Derivatives Exchange (Nadex) and a 39% stake in Small Exchange to Foris DAX Markets, an entity under the Crypto.com brand, for $216 million.
Transaction Overview
- Deal Value: $216 million (£162.6m/€194.6m).
- Announced: December 2021.
- Regulatory Approvals: Completed with oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Acquired Assets
Nadex:
- A CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange specializing in binary options, call spreads, and knock-outs.
- Provides access to forex pairs, commodities, and global financial markets.
Small Exchange:
- A futures exchange offering standardized, small-sized futures products.
- Simplifies retail investor access to futures markets.
Strategic Impact
- IG Group: Plans to reinvest proceeds into core business expansion.
- Crypto.com: Gains regulatory-compliant trading infrastructure to complement its crypto exchange and DeFi services.
Leadership Insights
“This deal delivers a strong ROI on our Nadex and Small Exchange investments and fuels growth across our portfolio.”
— June Felix, CEO, IG Group (December 2021).
Financial Context
- IG Group reported record H1 revenue of £471.9m (16% YoY growth) in November 2021.
- The sale aligns with IG’s strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-growth segments.
👉 Explore Crypto.com’s trading platforms
FAQs
Why did IG Group sell these assets?
IG Group aimed to monetize non-core investments and redirect capital toward higher-margin businesses, such as its primary brokerage operations.
How does this benefit Crypto.com?
The acquisition provides Crypto.com with CFTC-regulated exchange licenses, enabling it to offer traditional derivatives alongside crypto products.
What are Nadex’s key offerings?
Nadex specializes in binary options and short-term derivatives, catering to traders seeking exposure to macroeconomic events.
👉 Learn more about derivatives trading
Conclusion
This transaction marks a pivotal shift for both companies—IG Group sharpens its focus, while Crypto.com expands its regulatory footprint in traditional finance.