Institutional crypto trading platform LMAX is exploring sale, IPO
Institutional crypto trading platform LMAX Group is working with Morgan Stanley and Stifel to explore strategic options, including a potential sale or IPO. The company, which is currently valued at up to $5 billion, is prioritizing a Nasdaq listing but remains in no rush to go public due to current market conditions.
Why it matters
LMAX's potential exit highlights the ongoing consolidation and maturation of institutional-grade crypto infrastructure as traditional finance firms seek regulated venues for digital asset exposure.
Institutional crypto trading platform LMAX Group is working with Morgan Stanley (MS) and investment bank KBW, part of Stifel (SF), to evaluate strategic options, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The company is exploring a sale or public listing that could value the business at up to $5 billion, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.
While all options remain on the table, including a sale, SPAC merger and IPOs in the U.S. or Europe, a Nasdaq listing is currently the preferred route, one of the people said.
The company is in no rush to go public as crypto markets remain weak, with its core foreign-exchange business providing insulation from the downturn, another person said.
A company spokesperson said LMAX declines to comment on speculation. Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Stifel didn’t respond to a request for comment by publication time.
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