Coinbase Expands Crypto Derivatives Market with 24/7 BTC & ETH Futures Under CFTC Regulation

Coinbase Derivatives LLC has made a significant move in the cryptocurrency derivatives market by launching 24/7 trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures contracts. This development marks the first time a CFTC-regulated exchange in the U.S. offers round-the-clock trading for these assets. The initiative follows Coinbase’s strategic $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, underscoring its ambition to lead the regulated crypto derivatives space globally. The futures contracts are cleared through Nodal Clear and enjoy backing from institutional giants such as Virtu Financial and ABN AMRO, ensuring robust liquidity and credibility. This expansion not only enhances accessibility for traders but also reinforces Coinbase’s position as a key player in the evolving crypto financial ecosystem. As of May 2025, this development signals growing institutional confidence in crypto derivatives and sets a new standard for market infrastructure.

Coinbase Launches 24/7 BTC & ETH Futures Under CFTC Oversight

Coinbase Derivatives LLC has introduced round-the-clock trading for Bitcoin and ethereum futures contracts, marking a first for CFTC-regulated exchanges in the U.S. The move follows Coinbase’s $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit and signals its ambition to dominate regulated crypto derivatives markets globally.

Cleared through Nodal Clear and backed by institutional heavyweights like Virtu Financial and ABN AMRO, these perpetual contracts represent a watershed moment for institutional crypto adoption. The launch effectively bridges the gap between traditional finance operating hours and cryptocurrency’s never-sleeping markets.

Bitcoin Surges Past $104K as Altcoins Rally Amid Market Recovery

Bitcoin shattered the $100,000 psychological barrier, peaking at $104,000 before settling at $103,164.85—a 3.4% daily gain and a staggering 33% monthly increase. The rally ignited a broad-based altcoin surge, with Ethereum leading at 20% daily growth, followed by Solana and Ripple (8% each), while Dogecoin and Cardano posted 12% and 9% gains respectively.

Market sentiment shifted dramatically as Coinbase’s acquisition of Deribit and progress in the Ripple-SEC settlement fueled institutional confidence. The SEC’s nearing resolution with Ripple, against a backdrop of political crypto tensions, added momentum to the rebound.

Massive XRP Whale Transfer Sparks Sell-Off Concerns Amid Bullish Surge

A significant XRP transaction has caught the attention of market participants. Blockchain analytics platform Whale Alert reported a transfer of 29,532,534 XRP, worth approximately $69.5 million, to Coinbase on May 9. The move, executed in a single transaction, has fueled speculation about a potential whale sell-off during XRP’s ongoing bullish rally.

Large-scale transfers often precede increased volatility, and this one is no exception. The anonymous nature of the wallet involved leaves motives unclear, but the timing aligns with XRP’s recent price strength. Market sentiment may shift in the short term as investors weigh the possibility of profit-taking by major holders.

Despite the substantial movement, XRP continues to demonstrate resilience. The cryptocurrency’s performance remains robust even as the community watches for signs of whale activity influencing price action.

Coinbase Passed on $54B Bitcoin Bet That Propelled MicroStrategy’s 3,000% Surge

Coinbase Global Inc. considered but ultimately rejected a Bitcoin accumulation strategy mirroring MicroStrategy’s high-stakes approach, CEO Brian Armstrong revealed. The exchange weighed allocating 80% of its balance sheet to crypto during multiple junctures over the past decade, but risk management concerns prevailed.

"We had those same thoughts about going all-in on Bitcoin," Armstrong admitted during a Friday discussion on X. The admission comes as MicroStrategy’s $54 billion BTC position has delivered astronomical returns, with its stock soaring 3,000% since adopting the strategy in August 2020.

The divergence highlights the risk calculus of public companies in crypto. While MicroStrategy transformed into a bitcoin proxy, Coinbase prioritized financial stability - a decision that preserved its startup agility but cost potential upside. Armstrong’s remarks underscore how institutional adoption trajectories vary dramatically based on risk appetite.