Keyrock acquires BlockFills trading assets to expand institutional crypto business

The deal adds institutional trading clients, derivatives expertise and regulatory licenses as Keyrock looks to deepen its presence in crypto capital markets.

Updated Jul 16, 2026, 3:29 p.m. Published Jul 16, 2026, 3:26 p.m.

Keyrock CEO and co-founder Kevin de Patoul (Keyrock)
Keyrock CEO and co-founder Kevin de Patoul. (Keyrock)
  • Keyrock acquired the trading and brokerage assets of BlockFills’ institutional digital asset business.
  • The transaction expands Keyrock’s derivatives capabilities, client base and regulatory footprint in the Cayman Islands and, pending approval, the U.K.
  • Several senior BlockFills executives, including veteran derivatives traders Perry Parker and Dan Schak, are joining Keyrock.

Keyrock, a digital-asset services firm, acquired the trading and brokerage assets of BlockFills’ institutional digital asset business, bolstering its push into institutional crypto markets, the company said in a press release Thursday.

The completed transaction adds BlockFills’ client relationships, trading technology and derivatives expertise to Brussels-based Keyrock’s existing businesses spanning market making, over-the-counter (OTC) trading, options, credit, onchain services and asset management.

CoinDesk reported in June that Keyrock was in the process of acquiring Chicago-based crypto trading and lending firm Blockfills. According to a bankruptcy filing, Keyrock agreed to pay $3.25 million for substantially all of BlockFills’ assets, while assuming certain liabilities, equity interests, customer relationships and proprietary technology.

The acquisition broadens Keyrock’s regulatory reach through a CIMA-registered entity in the Cayman Islands and the proposed acquisition of an FCA-authorized entity in the U.K., subject to regulatory approval.

The company said the combined platform will offer institutional clients enhanced execution capabilities backed by Keyrock’s balance sheet and regulatory infrastructure.

The deal brings several experienced executives to Keyrock, including Perry Parker, a former Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank derivatives executive who led institutional options at BlockFills, and Dan Schak, who oversaw risk and trading operations. The broader trading, operations and commercial teams will also join Keyrock.

Keyrock said it will integrate the business in phases and communicate directly with clients as services are rolled out. The company said the acquisition strengthens one of its fastest-growing businesses, digital asset derivatives, at a time when institutional demand for options and other crypto trading products continues to expand.

Read more: Crypto investment firm Keyrock is acquiring bankrupt lender Blockfills

AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

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