Coinbase Shatters Barriers: CFTC-Regulated Perpetual Futures Now Live for US Retail Traders

Wall Street's worst nightmare just got a software update.

Coinbase—the crypto giant that refuses to fade into irrelevance—just dropped a grenade in the regulated derivatives arena. Their new CFTC-approved perpetual futures product is now live for Main Street traders, bypassing the institutional gatekeepers who've monopolized this space for years.

Retail Gets a Seat at the Big Kids' Table

No more sketchy offshore platforms or leverage limits that make hedge funds snicker. The exchange is bringing proper derivatives trading stateside—with all the regulatory scrutiny (and paperwork) that entails.

Liquidity Meets Legitimacy

This isn't some DeFi cowboy operation. Full KYC, real-time surveillance, and that sweet, sweet CFTC stamp of approval. Because nothing says 'mature market' like government bureaucrats peering over your shoulder.

The Fine Print Always Bites

Margin requirements? Conservative. Leverage caps? Cautious. Coinbase clearly learned from 2022's carnage—though whether retail traders will appreciate the training wheels remains to be seen.

One thing's certain: the suits won't like sharing their toys. But since when has crypto cared about Wall Street's temper tantrums?

US Traders Exit Shadows as Regulated Futures Arrive

U.S. traders were long sidelined by regulatory barriers, pushing many toward unregulated offshore platforms, often at the expense of transparency and legal risk.

Coinbase’s MOVE changes that narrative, bringing these instruments within a federally regulated framework overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The contracts are structured to mimic traditional perpetuals while maintaining regulatory compliance, with five-year expirations and hourly funding rates to balance long and short positions.

Settlements are conducted in USD, and trading is available 24/7, an industry standard in crypto that aligns with the global nature of digital assets.

Coinbase’s rollout comes amid a broader push by U.S.-based exchanges to reclaim market share from overseas rivals.

The firm recently acquired Deribit for $2.9 billion, positioning itself as a serious player in crypto derivatives.

Kraken has also quietly launched its own CFTC-compliant perps via Kraken Pro, reflecting renewed domestic interest in regulated access to leverage products.

Beyond BTC and ETH, Coinbase hinted at future listings tied to other major cryptocurrencies, including solana and XRP, as it builds out a more comprehensive offering.

The wait is over – Perpetual futures have arrived in the U.S.

→ No monthly expirations
→ Trade with up to 10x leverage
→ Fees as low as 0.02%

Now you can trade perpetual-style futures on Coinbase Financial Markets, a secure and CFTC-regulated platform. pic.twitter.com/627ZOPTTzG

The company also offers 20x leverage for precious metals like silver and gold, appealing to traders seeking broader exposure across asset classes.

“U.S. traders can now access enhanced capital efficiency and amplify their market positions within a secure, regulated framework,” the exchange said.

Coinbase Named TIME ‘Disruptor’

As reported, TIME has recognized Coinbase as one of 2025’s 100 Most Influential Companies, labeling the crypto exchange a “disruptor” for its significant role in shaping US digital asset policies and markets.

The accolade highlights Coinbase’s aggressive advocacy in Washington and its expanding influence in the crypto sector.

Coinbase’s stock has surged 42% year-to-date, climbing from around $303 to a high NEAR $382.

The rise comes amid the passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill and Coinbase’s historic inclusion in the S&P 500 in May.

TIME noted the exchange as a key driver behind the industry’s policy efforts and predicted Coinbase could become the central hub for crypto trading in the US.

Beyond the US, Coinbase is broadening its reach in Europe, securing a license under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework through Luxembourg’s financial regulator.

The company plans to establish its European headquarters in Luxembourg.

Additionally, Coinbase is seeking SEC approval to offer tokenized equities, which WOULD position it as a competitor to popular retail trading platforms like Robinhood and WeBull.