Ex-FTX US Chief Brett Harrison Launches AX Trading Platform

Core Insights - Brett Harrison, former president of FTX US, has launched Architect Financial Technologies and a regulated exchange called AX, aiming to integrate crypto-style perpetual futures into traditional finance [1][2] - AX will offer perpetual futures for various asset classes including stocks, currencies, commodities, and interest rates, allowing for continuous trading [2][3] - The platform is based in Bermuda and operates under the supervision of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, providing a regulatory framework for perpetual futures [4] Company Overview - AX is designed to allow traders to use either fiat or dollar-pegged stablecoins as collateral, promoting 24/7 trading access across different asset classes [3] - The platform is currently raising a Series A funding round with notable investors such as Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and the SALT Fund, indicating strong market confidence [5] Industry Impact - The introduction of perpetual contracts for traditional assets by AX could significantly change the landscape of derivatives trading, merging crypto markets with traditional finance [6] - There is a growing demand for fast and flexible trading tools, suggesting that the market is ready for such innovations [7] Challenges and Considerations - AX faces challenges in attracting sufficient trading volume, establishing risk controls, and addressing technical issues related to continuous trading [8] - The regulatory environment in the US poses additional hurdles for AX's potential market entry [8]