Optimism CBO Argues Perp Exchanges Must Own Infrastructure to Compete
Optimism Chief Business Officer Kyle Jenke says perpetual futures platforms should build dedicated chains to gain control over execution speed and compliance.
Perpetual futures platforms are increasingly looking to own their own infrastructure to gain a competitive edge. Speaking at the CONNECT event in Seoul on September 29, Optimism Chief Business Officer Kyle Jenke argued that exchanges building dedicated chains can better manage execution speed and compliance compared to those relying on shared infrastructure.
Jenke noted that perp exchanges require high performance, including low latency and reliable order matching, to survive. By using frameworks like the OP Stack to launch their own Layer 2 chains, platforms can avoid competing for block space with unrelated network activity like memecoins or NFT mints.
Kraken’s Ink chain is a primary example of this approach. Built on the OP Stack, the chain has integrated native perp products and seen growth in total value locked. Running a dedicated chain allows Kraken to prioritize transaction types and execution guarantees essential for derivatives traders.
Beyond performance, owning infrastructure allows exchanges to integrate compliance tools directly at the protocol level. This includes implementing KYC gates and transaction monitoring as core features rather than secondary additions.
Optimism has been expanding its presence in South Korea, with Jenke appearing at Ethereum Korea One on September 28. The firm has secured several partnerships in the region, including the launch of the GIWA Chain by Upbit in May 2026 and a proof of concept for a Korean won stablecoin with Toss in July.
Other regional collaborations include a July partnership with DB Securities for real-world asset tokenization and a September launch of tokenized products with KB Securities. These moves align with the broader focus on liquidity, regulatory compliance, and execution quality discussed during Korea Blockchain Week.
