Large financial firms such as Standard Chartered and Virtu Financial Inc. are preparing to join a new London-based crypto derivatives trading platform as a market rebound boosts the appeal of digital currencies. Trading platform Global Futures and Options Ltd., or GFO-X, said Monday it has signed up ABN Amro Clearing and market maker IMC and expects to launch in the first quarter of next year. GFO-X CEO Arnab Sen said financial firms have seen a renewed surge in interest in the platform due to a cryptocurrency market rally sparked by Trump's election to the White House. Digital asset markets have been rising rapidly since Trump was re-elected last month and made several pro-crypto nominations to his incoming administration. Investors expect the new U.S. government to pass pro-crypto legislation, removing what many see as a barrier for large financial firms to further expand in the industry. (Bloomberg)