Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an exciting update that's got the crypto community buzzing. In his post, Armstrong quipped, "The ink's barely dry and we’re already shipping," referring to the rapid rollout of USDC-settled Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) options set to launch on August 19. This comes hot on the heels of Coinbase's acquisition of Deribit, a leading crypto derivatives exchange.[0]

For those new to the scene, USDC is a popular stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, offering stability in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. Options, on the other hand, are financial derivatives that give traders the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price. By settling these in USDC, Deribit (now under Coinbase's umbrella) is making trading more accessible with features like stablecoin-based margins, smaller order sizes, and risk offsets against other option types.

The acquisition itself was a big deal. Announced back in May 2025 and valued at around $2.9 billion, it positions Coinbase as a powerhouse in global crypto derivatives.[1] Closing the deal just yesterday, Coinbase wasted no time in leveraging Deribit's expertise to introduce these linear options. This move not only enhances liquidity but also caters to institutional and retail traders looking for more sophisticated tools.

Armstrong's enthusiasm highlights Coinbase's commitment to innovation. As he noted, this launch allows traders to leverage their USDC holdings— which can even earn rewards—while diving into options trading. It's a step toward bridging traditional finance with blockchain, potentially paving the way for more diverse products in the future.

While this development focuses on majors like BTC and ETH, it could signal exciting possibilities for meme token enthusiasts. As derivatives platforms expand, we might see options for popular memes down the line, offering new ways to hedge or speculate in this fun corner of crypto. For now, it's a reminder of how quickly the blockchain space evolves, empowering practitioners with cutting-edge tools.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on how these advancements impact the meme token ecosystem and beyond. If you're into trading, check out Deribit's platform or Coinbase to get started.