Ken Griffin: Citadel Could Enter as Market Maker on Exchanges Like Coinbase, Calls on Trump to Clarify Crypto Regulations

Citadel, one of the world's largest financial firms founded by billionaire Ken Griffin, is likely to enter the cryptocurrency space as a market maker on exchanges like Coinbase. The move comes after Griffin made comments at the UBS Financial Services 2025 Conference, in which he called on the Trump administration to push for clearer regulations on cryptocurrencies.

Griffin, who has previously been skeptical of cryptocurrencies, admitted that he regrets not getting involved in the space sooner. Despite remaining skeptical about the utility of cryptocurrencies, he believes that Citadel could play an important role in creating a liquid and stable market for the sector. Griffin said that allowing large companies like Citadel to participate would help “clean up” the market and reduce the risk of fraud.

Citadel Could Become a Market Maker on Cryptocurrency Exchanges

According to Bloomberg, Citadel, the largest market maker on the New York Stock Exchange, is considering expanding into the cryptocurrency market. If it joins, Citadel would act as a market maker, meaning it would buy and sell securities to ensure more liquidity and stability in the market.

Griffin also called on the Trump administration to issue specific regulatory guidelines to make it easier for financial institutions and asset managers to participate in the cryptocurrency space without facing regulatory risks. He criticized the Biden administration for its “vicious” regulatory practices and praised efforts like Elon Musk’s to use blockchain technology to improve government efficiency.

Griffin's Changing Views on Crypto

Ken Griffin was once famous for his skepticism about bitcoin, even calling it "a call to holy war" against the US dollar. However, he has gradually changed his views in recent years. While Griffin remains skeptical about some aspects of cryptocurrency, he acknowledges that there are millions of people around the world who believe in its potential and that Citadel cannot ignore this opportunity.

In an interview with the Times around the time bitcoin hit $100,000, Griffin talked about how cryptocurrencies could help Americans regain "autonomy" over their lives. He also said in 2022 that Citadel would likely get involved in the cryptocurrency space in the "coming months," but that has not happened.

Skeptical of Crypto Utility

While Griffin is now considering entering the crypto market, he remains skeptical about the actual value that cryptocurrencies bring to the economy. He said last December: "What I don't care about about crypto is, what problem does it solve for our economy?"

That said, Citadel's possible involvement as a market maker on major exchanges like Coinbase could open a new chapter for the company and the crypto market, especially as the Trump administration is expected to introduce clearer regulations in the coming months.