In a strategic move to enhance its offerings in the fast-evolving cryptocurrency landscape, CoinRoutes, a prominent institutional trading platform, has announced its acquisition of QIS Risk for a reported $5 million in a mix of cash and stock, according to a company press release on Tuesday. This acquisition marks a significant step for CoinRoutes as it aims to strengthen its suite of trading tools for institutional investors navigating the complex world of digital assets.
Integrating Strengths for a Robust Platform
The acquisition is set to merge CoinRoutes’ algorithmic execution technology with QIS Risk’s advanced portfolio monitoring and risk analytics capabilities. CoinRoutes, known for its robust connectivity to over 50 exchanges and access to more than 3,000 digital assets, will now benefit from QIS Risk’s integration with more than 70 trade sources. This merger is poised to offer institutional clients a comprehensive platform that combines execution power with real-time tracking and analysis.
The enhanced platform will empower institutions with a suite of tools, including execution across both centralized (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX), real-time portfolio and profit-and-loss monitoring, stress testing, and counterparty risk management. Furthermore, it will support options trade capture for Deribit and over-the-counter (OTC) positions, while also extending its capabilities to the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector with tracking for staking and on-chain derivatives.
Leadership and Vision
As part of this strategic acquisition, Fred Cox, the founder of QIS Risk, will join CoinRoutes as the global chief technology officer. In his new role, Cox will be responsible for overseeing technology operations and spearheading the firm’s expansion in the European market. “Digital assets have reached an inflection point where institutions require enterprise-grade infrastructure across the entire investment lifecycle,” Cox stated in the press release, highlighting the necessity of robust infrastructure in today’s digital asset environment.
Ian Weisberger, co-founder and CEO of CoinRoutes, echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism about the combined capabilities of CoinRoutes and QIS Risk. By integrating CoinRoutes’ execution technology with QIS Risk’s analytics, Weisberger believes the company can now offer a more holistic solution tailored to the needs of institutional investors.
The Growing Institutional Appetite
This acquisition comes at a time when institutional adoption of cryptocurrency trading infrastructure is on the rise. Since its inception seven years ago by Weisberger and Michael Holstein, CoinRoutes has processed an impressive $500 billion in executed trades. The company’s execution management system is designed to allow clients to maintain control of their wallets and private keys while accessing liquidity across multiple trading venues. This approach is particularly appealing to institutions keen on minimizing counterparty risk.
The collaboration between CoinRoutes and QIS Risk signifies a broader trend of consolidation and innovation within the cryptocurrency industry. As digital assets continue to gain traction among institutional players, the demand for sophisticated trading and risk management tools is expected to grow. By combining their strengths, CoinRoutes and QIS Risk are well-positioned to meet this increasing demand and provide a seamless trading experience for their clients.
Balancing Innovation with Security
While the acquisition promises to enhance CoinRoutes’ service offerings, it also underscores the importance of balancing innovation with security. As the cryptocurrency market matures, institutional investors are looking for platforms that provide not only advanced trading capabilities but also robust security measures. CoinRoutes’ emphasis on allowing clients to control their wallets and private keys aligns with this need for security, offering a compelling proposition for risk-averse institutions.
Moreover, the inclusion of QIS Risk’s analytics tools will provide clients with deeper insights into their portfolios, enabling them to make informed decisions in a volatile market. The ability to perform stress testing and manage counterparty risk will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for institutions navigating the complexities of digital asset investments.
A Future-Focused Approach
Looking ahead, the acquisition of QIS Risk by CoinRoutes represents a forward-thinking approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the cryptocurrency market. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms that offer comprehensive, secure, and innovative solutions are likely to emerge as key players.
For CoinRoutes, the integration of QIS Risk’s capabilities not only enhances its current offerings but also sets the stage for future growth and expansion. With Fred Cox at the helm of technology operations, the company is well-equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the European market and beyond.
In conclusion, CoinRoutes’ acquisition of QIS Risk is a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of institutional-grade infrastructure in the cryptocurrency sector. By combining their respective strengths, the two companies are poised to offer a robust, secure, and innovative platform that meets the evolving needs of institutional investors. As the demand for digital assets continues to rise, CoinRoutes’ enhanced offerings could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of institutional cryptocurrency trading.
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
