FTX US, a leading U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency exchange operated by West Realm Shires Services Inc., has released its comprehensive business performance and operational milestones for the 2021 calendar year. The report highlights a year of unprecedented growth, strategic expansion, and strengthened regulatory compliance, positioning the platform as a dominant force in the American digital asset ecosystem.
Under the leadership of Brett Harrison, President of FTX US, the company achieved significant momentum throughout 2021. Harrison emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and compliance:
"Throughout 2021, FTX US experienced exponential growth and established itself as a market leader in the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange landscape. We improved upon our compliance tech stack, acquired a CFTC regulated crypto futures and options trading platform, made key hires across our regulatory division, launched a cross-chain NFT marketplace, brought FTX Pay to a wider userbase, and much more. Since our inception in 2020, we have continued to grow and expand our U.S. operations, all while remaining compliant with regulators, and this is not set to slow down any time soon."
Record-Breaking Trading Volume and User Growth
FTX US closed 2021 with explosive growth across all key performance indicators. According to Cryptowatch, the platform maintained its status as the most liquid digital asset exchange in the United States throughout the entire year—a critical advantage for traders seeking fast execution and tight spreads.
Key 2021 metrics include:
- Average daily trading volume: Reached an all-time high of $812 million, representing a 608% year-over-year increase.
- Total spot trading volume: Exceeded $67 billion during its first full year of operation.
- User base expansion: Grew by 11,900%, reflecting surging demand for secure, compliant crypto trading platforms in the U.S.
This growth was fueled by both retail and institutional interest in digital assets, as well as FTX US’s focus on delivering advanced trading tools and regulatory transparency.
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Strategic Corporate Developments in 2021
Beyond trading metrics, FTX US made several high-impact strategic moves that strengthened its infrastructure, product offerings, and market presence.
New U.S. Headquarters in Chicago
The company opened a new office in Chicago, establishing it as the official U.S. headquarters. This move underscored FTX US’s long-term commitment to American operations and provided proximity to key financial and regulatory institutions.
Rebranding of Blockfolio App
The popular Blockfolio mobile application was fully rebranded to FTX, integrating seamlessly with the exchange’s ecosystem. This allowed users to track portfolios, execute trades, and access real-time market data from a single interface—enhancing user experience and engagement.
Expansion of Brand Ambassador Roster
FTX US bolstered its public profile by onboarding high-profile figures from sports and traditional finance as brand ambassadors. These partnerships helped bridge mainstream audiences with the evolving world of digital assets.
Launch of FTX NFTs
A major innovation in 2021 was the launch of FTX NFTs, a cross-chain marketplace enabling users to mint, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens on both Solana and Ethereum blockchains. Creators retain full control over their NFTs’ lifecycle—a feature designed to empower artists and digital content producers.
Acquisition of LedgerX
One of the most significant milestones was the acquisition of Ledger Holdings Inc., the parent company of LedgerX LLC. As a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated futures and options exchange and clearinghouse, this acquisition granted FTX US direct access to regulated derivatives markets—strengthening its legitimacy and expanding its product suite.
Enhanced Compliance Infrastructure
To ensure adherence to financial regulations and combat illicit activity, FTX US implemented advanced compliance tools:
- Partnered with TRM Labs to deploy a full suite of anti-financial crime and risk management solutions using blockchain intelligence.
- Integrated the Eventus Validus platform for real-time trade surveillance and risk monitoring—critical for maintaining market integrity.
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Strategic Partnership with Stratos Jets
FTX US entered a partnership with Stratos Jets Charters Inc., enabling clients to pay for private jet services using cryptocurrency via FTX Pay. This integration demonstrated the real-world utility of digital assets and expanded the use cases for crypto payments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is FTX US still operational today?
A: This report covers FTX US activities during 2021. For current operational status and updates, users should refer to official sources or regulatory filings.
Q: What makes FTX US different from other U.S. crypto exchanges?
A: FTX US distinguished itself through its focus on regulatory compliance, advanced trading technology, acquisition of a CFTC-regulated derivatives platform (LedgerX), and development of innovative products like FTX NFTs and FTX Pay.
Q: How does FTX US ensure security and compliance?
A: The company uses blockchain intelligence from TRM Labs for anti-financial crime monitoring and employs the Eventus Validus system for trade surveillance—ensuring adherence to U.S. regulatory standards.
Q: Can I trade NFTs on FTX US?
A: Yes, in 2021 FTX US launched FTX NFTs, a cross-chain marketplace supporting Solana and Ethereum-based NFTs, allowing users to mint, buy, and sell digital collectibles.
Q: What was FTX US’s average daily trading volume in 2021?
A: The platform achieved an average daily trading volume of $812 million—an increase of 608% compared to the previous year.
Q: Why is liquidity important for a crypto exchange?
A: High liquidity ensures faster trade execution, tighter bid-ask spreads, and greater price stability—key factors that attract both retail and institutional traders.
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Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Regulated Crypto Markets
FTX US’s 2021 performance reflects a broader trend: increasing demand for transparent, secure, and compliant digital asset platforms in the United States. By combining cutting-edge technology with rigorous regulatory standards, FTX US positioned itself at the forefront of the next generation of crypto exchanges.
As the digital asset industry continues to mature, platforms that prioritize compliance, innovation, and user experience will lead the market. The developments of 2021—ranging from strategic acquisitions to product diversification—demonstrate FTX US’s ambition to not only participate in this evolution but to help shape it.
For investors, traders, and creators alike, the integration of regulated derivatives, NFT marketplaces, and real-world payment solutions signals a growing bridge between traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems.