Coinbase Expands Crypto Derivatives Offerings with U.S. Perpetual-Style Futures Launch

Coinbase is set to revolutionize the U.S. crypto derivatives market with the introduction of perpetual-style futures contracts starting July 21, 2025. This landmark move will bring regulated Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) perpetual futures to the CFTC-approved Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, offering investors a secure alternative to offshore products. The contracts feature innovative five-year expirations and a twice-daily settled funding rate mechanism, marking a significant advancement in mainstream crypto adoption. This development underscores Coinbase's commitment to expanding institutional-grade crypto products while maintaining regulatory compliance, potentially attracting new capital inflows to the digital asset space.

Coinbase to Launch U.S. Perpetual-Style Futures, Expands Bitcoin Holdings

Coinbase will introduce perpetual-style futures contracts in the U.S. on July 21, marking a significant step for regulated crypto derivatives. The contracts, initially available for bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), will trade on the CFTC-regulated Coinbase Derivatives Exchange. Unlike offshore perpetuals, these instruments feature five-year expirations and a funding rate mechanism settled twice daily.

CEO Brian Armstrong revealed the firm is accumulating bitcoin weekly, reinforcing its bullish stance. "We're buying more bitcoin every week. Long Bitcoin," Armstrong stated. Coinbase's corporate treasury holds 9,257 BTC worth nearly $1 billion, placing it among the top 10 public holders.

Stablecoins Emerge as Silent Beneficiaries in Polymarket's Growth Surge

Polymarket's pursuit of a $1 billion valuation, led by Founders Fund, has cast a spotlight on an unexpected victor: stablecoins. Coinbase Research highlights how Circle's USDC, the settlement backbone of Polymarket's prediction markets on Polygon, is experiencing measurable demand acceleration.

The platform's $14 billion lifetime trading volume—including a record $2.5 billion month post-Trump's 2024 re-election—demonstrates stablecoins' evolving role as real-time market infrastructure. Unlike locked capital in lending protocols, prediction markets create continuous settlement cycles, with May alone seeing $1 billion cleared across 20,000-30,000 daily traders.

This activity triggers corresponding spikes in USDC transfers and bridge movements. A forthcoming content partnership with X could further amplify adoption, transforming prediction markets from financial tools into viral social content.

Bitvavo Secures MiCA License, Expanding European Crypto Operations

Dutch cryptocurrency exchange Bitvavo has obtained a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license from the Netherlands' financial regulator, positioning it to operate across the European Economic Area. The approval underscores the accelerating regulatory adoption of digital assets within the EU bloc.

The license grants Bitvavo pan-European access to 30 nations, including non-EU members Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. CEO Mark Nuvelstijn framed the development as foundational for the exchange's ambition to dominate European digital asset trading. Bitvavo already maintains registrations in France, Austria, Italy, and Spain.

Regulatory momentum continues building across the continent. Malta recently authorized OKX, Crypto.com, and Bitpanda, while Ireland approved Kraken and Luxembourg greenlit Coinbase. The coordinated licensing reflects MiCA's success in standardizing crypto oversight since its 2023 implementation.

KraneShares Files for Coinbase 50 Index ETF Targeting Top Cryptocurrencies

KraneShares has submitted a landmark application to the SEC for a new ETF tracking the Coinbase 50 Index, comprising the 50 largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The proposed "KraneShares Coinbase 50 Index ETF" arrives as institutional demand for crypto exposure reaches unprecedented levels.

The fund's altcoin basket approach mirrors growing sophistication in crypto investment products, offering diversified exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Coinbase's index methodology provides a regulated framework for institutional participation—a critical milestone for market maturation.

This filing accelerates the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, building on recent ETF approvals. The SEC's decision will test regulators' appetite for complex crypto products during a period of heightened market scrutiny.

XRP Whales Accumulate Quietly as Price Eyes Breakout

XRP's price trajectory hints at an impending breakout as on-chain data reveals significant whale accumulation. Over 420 million tokens, valued at $915 million, were acquired within a week—a bullish signal despite retail wallet creation hitting a two-month low.

The cryptocurrency surged 6% to $2.23 amid a flurry of whale activity, with 108 million XRP trading hands in a single hour. Ripple's strategic movements included a 200 million XRP transfer ($439 million) to an unknown wallet on June 18, likely for institutional deployment.

Notable sell-side pressure emerged via three large deposits totaling 80 million XRP ($175 million) to Coinbase between June 12-19. Earlier, 230 million XRP exited Ripple's reserves, followed by a 50 million XRP shuffle between anonymous wallets—further evidence of heightened institutional maneuvering.

While XRP trades sideways, the underlying whale activity suggests accumulation precedes a potential breach of the $2.20 resistance level.

Crypto Price Prediction for July: Key Events to Watch

Bitcoin stands just 4% shy of its all-time high at $111,970 as markets approach mid-year close. Institutional accumulation and bullish technical positioning suggest a new ATH is imminent. July emerges as a pivotal month with legislative catalysts, exchange product launches, and macroeconomic triggers poised to shape momentum.

Santiment data reveals BTC dominates social discourse, reflecting its outsized influence on altcoin trajectories. The token's institutional adoption narrative and liquidity profile continue to anchor market sentiment. Meanwhile, YAPYO's unexplained social volume spike warrants monitoring for potential volatility events.

Regulatory milestones loom large, with the GENIUS Act and Clarity Act advancing through Senate procedures. Coinbase's planned perpetual futures launch may further institutional participation, while scheduled token unlocks could test market depth. These concurrent developments position July as an inflection point for crypto asset valuations.