About Derive

Derive is a self-custodial, high performance cryptocurrency trading platform for options, perpetuals and spot trading. The platform is made up of three components:

1. Derive Chain: A settlement layer for transactions. This is an Optimistic rollup built on the OP Stack, secured by Ethereum mainnet. Governed by the Derive DAO.
2. Derive Protocol: A settlement protocol that enables permissionless, self-custodial margin trading of perpetuals, options and spot, deployed to the Derive Chain. Governed by the Derive DAO.
3. Derive Exchange: An orderbook that efficiently matches orders and settles them to the Derive Protocol. Operated by Derive Trading Co.

For a deep dive into the Derive Chain, consult the OP Stack Docs.

All components are governed by the Derive DAO via a fully on-chain and autonomous system. This documentation describes the chain, protocol and exchange. You can read it in its entirety or skip to whichever section is relevant to you.

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The Derive Exchange uses a centralized limit order book, but remains self-custodial, and settles trades and liquidations in a trustless manner.