GIBRALTAR, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bullish, one of the fastest-growing regulated virtual asset exchanges, today announced its partnership with the Gibraltar Government and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) to develop the world’s first regulation for the clearing and settlement of derivative contracts settled in virtual assets. This innovation will enable virtual asset derivative contracts to be cleared and settled in virtual assets by a recognized clearing house for the first time. This groundbreaking initiative moves beyond the limitations of traditional fiat-based clearing and settlement infrastructure and marks a significant milestone in the evolution of virtual asset regulation.
Over the past six $BTC $ETH $XRP months, Bullish and the GFSC have collaborated and agreed to create a regulatory framework that seamlessly adapts traditional finance clearing regulations with the unique requirements and capabilities of the virtual asset market.
For example, under the proposed clearing framework, select virtual assets may be eligible as collateral and settlement currency. The selection criteria will follow the principles underpinning existing traditional clearing regulations. Additionally, the framework will expand the range of institutions authorized to hold collateral, enhancing market integrity and participation while mitigating key risks.
Setting the standard for a crypto clearing solution
Major virtual asset exchanges have been performing the clearing function without appropriate regulatory oversight, leading to failures impacting customers. The proposed regime introduces a regulated clearing house entity, separate and independent from the exchange and its participants, with improved transparency and capitalization to strengthen market infrastructure protection.
