FinanceKeyrock Acquires BlockFills Trading Assets to Enhance Institutional Crypto Operations
The acquisition expands Keyrock's institutional trading clientele, adds expertise in derivatives, and strengthens regulatory licenses as the firm aims to enhance its foothold in crypto capital markets.
By Will Canny, AI Boost|Edited by Sheldon RebackUpdated Jul 16, 2026, 3:29 p.m. Published Jul 16, 2026, 3:26 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on
Keyrock CEO and co-founder Kevin de Patoul. (Keyrock)SummaryShow
- Keyrock has acquired the trading and brokerage assets from BlockFills' institutional digital asset operations.
- This transaction enhances Keyrock's derivatives capabilities, client base, and regulatory presence in the Cayman Islands and, upon approval, the U.K.
- Several senior executives from BlockFills, including seasoned derivatives traders Perry Parker and Dan Schak, will join Keyrock.
Keyrock, a firm specializing in digital asset services, has successfully acquired the trading and brokerage assets from BlockFills' institutional digital asset sector. This move is aimed at strengthening Keyrock's position in the institutional crypto market, as announced in a press release on Thursday.
The acquisition enriches Keyrock's existing operations, which include market making, over-the-counter (OTC) trading, options, credit, on-chain services, and asset management, by incorporating BlockFills' client relationships, trading technology, and derivatives knowledge.
Previously, CoinDesk reported in June that Keyrock was pursuing the acquisition of Blockfills, a Chicago-based crypto trading and lending firm. Under the terms of the bankruptcy filing, Keyrock has committed to pay $3.25 million for nearly all of BlockFills' assets, while also assuming certain liabilities, equity interests, customer relationships, and proprietary technology.
This acquisition will also extend Keyrock's regulatory reach through a CIMA-registered entity in the Cayman Islands and a proposed acquisition of an FCA-authorized entity in the U.K., which remains subject to regulatory approval.
According to Keyrock, the integration of these resources will provide institutional clients with improved execution capabilities, supported by Keyrock's financial strength and regulatory framework.
The deal will also bring several experienced professionals to Keyrock, including Perry Parker, who previously held positions at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, and was responsible for institutional options at BlockFills, as well as Dan Schak, who managed risk and trading operations. Other members from BlockFills' trading, operations, and commercial teams will also transition to Keyrock.
Keyrock plans to implement the integration gradually and will maintain direct communication with clients as services are introduced. The firm believes this acquisition will significantly enhance its rapidly growing digital asset derivatives sector, especially as institutional interest in options and various crypto trading products continues to rise.
Read more: Crypto investment firm Keyrock is acquiring bankrupt lender Blockfills
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Why it matters:
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