The global crypto derivatives market recorded a slight decline in February as reduced price volatility dampened trading activity across major exchanges, according to a new report from CoinDesk Data.
KuCoin gained ground in crypto derivatives this February. 📈
According to the latest exchange data review from CoinDesk, KuCoin’s derivatives market share rose +0.20%, ranking among the strongest gains that month.
This came even as overall derivatives trading volume dipped… pic.twitter.com/Le1bZHZfyR— KuCoin (@kucoincom) March 13, 2026
Derivatives activity slips as market volatility weakens
The monthly exchange review found that derivatives trading volume fell 2.41% to approximately $4.11 trillion during the month, marking the lowest level recorded since October 2024. Analysts attribute the slowdown largely to narrow price movements among major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which traded within relatively tight ranges.
Lower volatility typically reduces speculative trading and hedging activity in derivatives markets, contributing to softer volumes across crypto exchanges. Despite the decline, derivatives remained the dominant segment of the digital asset trading ecosystem.
According to the report, derivatives accounted for 73.2% of total crypto trading volume in February, slightly higher than January’s 73.1%, reinforcing the segment’s importance in the broader market structure.
KuCoin is still accessible to users in Nigeria for general crypto trading. However, the exchange suspended its peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and naira card “fast buy” services in May 2024 following regulatory pressure and signals from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria about stricter oversight of crypto activities.
KuCoin records market share growth
Amid the broader slowdown in trading activity, crypto exchange KuCoin ranked among the platforms recording the strongest derivatives market share growth during the month.
Data from CoinDesk shows KuCoin increased its derivatives market share by 0.20% in February, placing the exchange among the top-performing platforms in terms of derivatives expansion during the period.
The growth highlights continued competition among global crypto exchanges to capture liquidity and trader activity even during quieter market conditions. Exchanges have increasingly focused on expanding derivatives products, improving liquidity depth, and enhancing trading infrastructure to attract both institutional and retail traders.
KuCoin notes that shifts in derivatives market share are becoming a key indicator of competitiveness within the crypto exchange sector. With derivatives accounting for nearly three-quarters of total trading activity, platforms that strengthen their derivatives offerings are better positioned to gain market traction. Additionally, KuCoin also released its “Unlocking My KuCoin Journey 2025” report, offering users a comprehensive view of their cryptocurrency trading activity over the past year.
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