TL;DR
- Coinbase has introduced CFTC-regulated perpetual futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ether, offering U.S. traders up to 10x leverage with extended five-year expirations.
- This launch marks a strategic move amid new legislation like the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act, which are shaping clearer crypto frameworks.
- With this step, Coinbase aims to bridge the gap between global demand for advanced trading tools and previous U.S. restrictions.
After years of watching overseas traders access perpetual futures with ease, U.S.-based crypto investors finally have a regulated path forward. On July 21, Coinbase officially opened perpetual futures trading for Bitcoin and Ether through its CFTC-approved platform, Coinbase Financial Markets (CFM). This new offering brings high-risk, high-reward strategies into a regulated environment designed to fit within evolving U.S. crypto laws.
The newly launched nano Bitcoin and nano Ethereum perpetual contracts let traders hold positions for up to five years, far longer than the typical monthly or quarterly cycles seen in traditional futures. Combined with up to 10x leverage and trading fees starting at a competitive 0.02% per contract, this move positions Coinbase as the go-to for traders seeking more sophisticated ways to navigate crypto price swings without leaving U.S. soil.
Regulatory Advances Fuel Market Momentum
Recent policy milestones like the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act have fueled optimism among crypto advocates. The GENIUS Act introduces clearer guidelines for stablecoins, while the Clarity Act outlines how the SEC and CFTC will divide oversight of the crypto sector. These steps are boosting investor confidence, helping push Bitcoin, Ether, and other major tokens higher in recent weeks. Notably, Coinbase stock climbed to a new record above $437 last Friday before a slight dip on Monday.
The introduction of these futures also reflects Coinbase’s broader push to match international standards. Globally, perpetual futures represent nearly 90% of crypto trading volume, but strict U.S. rules have kept this tool out of reach for local traders—until now.
Expanding Options Beyond Bitcoin And Ether
While only Bitcoin and Ether perpetuals are available at launch, Coinbase hinted that more assets may join soon. Traders could eventually see contracts for XRP, Solana, Cardano, Hedera, or even commodities like gold and oil. For now, eligible users must apply for a separate derivatives account under CFM rules and clear identity checks before jumping in.
By delivering perpetual futures within a regulated U.S. framework, Coinbase is paving the way for American traders to compete globally without turning to offshore platforms that often lack strong consumer protections.
