Crypto.com acquires Watchdog Capital in a move to the US equity market

In a strategic move to expand its presence in traditional finance, Crypto.com has acquired Watchdog Capital, LLC, a US-based broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This acquisition positions Crypto.com to offer stock and stock options to eligible U.S. investors.

As an SEC-registered broker-dealer, Watchdog Capital provides a platform for trading traditional assets such as stocks under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

Crypto.com’s entry into the regulated US equity market signals its intention to integrate traditional and digital financial services.

“By the end of this year, Crypto.com will offer a full range of services, including crypto derivatives and stocks, through its family of companies,” said Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com.

By acquiring a licensed broker-dealer, the company can now meet investors’ growing demand for diversified financial products by offering stock and options trading alongside its existing crypto services.

Crypto and stock trading on one platform

This acquisition is part of a larger industry trend of crypto companies trying to bridge traditional finance with decentralized finance.

For American investors, the acquisition of Crypto.com could streamline the process of trading both crypto and traditional assets under a single platform and allow both stock and crypto investors to explore alternative forms of finance.

Crypto.com plans to provide more details on trading access and eligibility requirements soon as it aims to provide a compliant path for US-based users seeking both equity and crypto investments.