eToro backs on-chain derivatives with Extended as DeFi booms
EToro invests in onchain derivatives platform Extended as brokers race into DeFi
EToro has invested in Extended, an onchain derivatives platform, in a move that underscores how traditional brokerages are increasingly looking to decentralised finance (DeFi) for new trading infrastructure and distribution.
The investment links a well-known retail brokerage brand with a DeFi-native venue focused on derivatives, a segment that has become one of the most active areas of crypto trading both on centralised exchanges and onchain.
Why it matters: The deal highlights a broader trend of brokers and fintech platforms seeking exposure to onchain markets as tokenised trading and DeFi rails mature. For firms like eToro, investments in DeFi infrastructure can offer a way to participate in the growth of onchain financial products without directly operating a decentralised protocol.
Onchain derivatives have grown as blockchains have improved in performance and as traders have sought alternatives to centralised platforms. At the same time, established consumer brokerages face pressure to expand product offerings while navigating shifting market structure and regulatory expectations.
The eToro-Extended investment adds to a growing list of partnerships and strategic stakes that bridge traditional brokerage models and DeFi, signalling that competition is no longer limited to centralised exchanges. Instead, it is increasingly focused on who can provide access, liquidity, and user-friendly interfaces across both offchain and onchain venues.
