Crypto exchange Backpack, founded by former FTX execs, acquires FTX EU

FTX alumni’s Backpack Exchange completes acquisition of FTX EU, set to launch MiFID II-regulated crypto products.

Backpack, a crypto exchange founded by former FTX executives, has acquired FTX EU, the former European arm of FTX, as part of its expansion into the European market. The acquisition, approved by the FTX bankruptcy court and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, will allow Backpack to offer regulated crypto derivatives and other financial products to European users, the company said in a blog announcement.

The new European branch will provide a range of crypto derivatives, including perpetual futures. This comes as other exchanges exit Europe, leaving a gap in the regulated crypto derivatives market. Backpack chief executive Armani Ferrante says becoming a MiFID II-licensed entity “demonstrates our dedication to meeting the highest regulatory standards and is a significant step to bringing transparent, secure, and regulated crypto trading to an underserved European market.”

In addition to offering new products, Backpack EU will handle the distribution of FTX bankruptcy claims to FTX EU customers. Backpack EU will also integrate traditional payment systems, allowing users to make payments across Europe via SEPA and wire transfers, the announcement reads.

The company plans to reactivate its EU license and launch Backpack EU in Q1 2025, though no exact timeframe has been provided for the launch.

Founded in 2022 by Armani Ferrante, an early employee of Alameda Research, Backpack was initially launched as the non-custodial Backpack Wallet. In November 2022, during the collapse of FTX, Backpack lost $14.5 million, which was 88% of its operating funds. Despite that setback, the team chose to continue building with minimal funding.