Coinbase Launches 24/7 Bitcoin, Ethereum Futures in US

Coinbase Derivatives, LLC is set to launch the first CFTC-regulated 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts in the United States. This move will allow US traders to access crypto futures markets without interruption, matching the always-on nature of spot cryptocurrency markets. Currently, US futures markets operate within fixed trading hours, which forces traders to wait during key market movements, creating a gap between US and global trading capabilities.

Greg Tusar, Coinbase’s VP of Institutional Product, explained the reasoning behind the launch. “Crypto markets never sleep, and traders need the ability to manage risk and seize opportunities in real time,” he stated. The company is responding to strong demand from US crypto-native clients who have been at a disadvantage compared to international counterparts who already enjoy continuous market access.

The 24/7 futures will offer various contract sizes to accommodate different types of traders. Both retail traders and institutions will have options that align with their trading strategies. Coinbase is partnering with Nodal Clear to ensure CFTC-regulated clearing. Coinbase Financial Markets will provide market access from the start of the program.

Beyond the 24/7 trading capability, Coinbase is also developing a perpetual-style futures contract. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts do not have fixed expiration dates. This allows traders to maintain positions indefinitely, removing the need to constantly roll over contracts as expiration dates approach. The perpetual-style futures will be designed to mirror global crypto derivatives markets while meeting US regulatory standards. Coinbase has been working closely with the CFTC on this product and is collaborating with partners and market participants to finalize the design.

The crypto derivatives market represents approximately 75% of all crypto trading volume. Until now, much of this trading has occurred on offshore platforms. These international exchanges offer products that are not available under US regulation. Recent events have highlighted the limitations of fixed trading hours. When a significant announcement was made on a Sunday, spot crypto traders could react immediately, while futures traders had to wait until Monday when markets reopened. This delay demonstrated the inefficiencies of traditional market structures.

Other financial markets are also moving toward extended hours. Nasdaq has announced plans to introduce 24-hour stock trading by 2026, showing growing demand for always-on markets. Some global markets have already seen benefits from extended trading hours. Coinbase views these developments as part of a broader evolution in US markets. The company is inviting FCMs, market participants, and institutions to join in building the next generation of global crypto derivatives.