Coinbase Launches Cardano Futures, Boosting Institutional Liquidity

Coinbase has made a significant move by introducing Cardano (ADA) futures, a development that is expected to enhance institutional liquidity and provide new opportunities for large-scale investors. This initiative comes as part of Coinbase Institutional's broader strategy to cater to the needs of institutional clients, including hedge funds, asset managers, and corporations.

In a statement, Coinbase Institutional announced that its derivatives arm has filed with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to self-certify futures contracts for both Natural Gas (NGS) and Cardano (ADA). The company anticipates going live with these products on Monday, March 31. This move allows investors to speculate on the future price direction of ADA without the need to own the asset outright, providing a regulated avenue for exposure to the crypto asset.

Coinbase Institutional, established to serve large-scale investors, has expanded its product offerings to include prime brokerage services, staking, and a range of derivative instruments. The launch of the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, formerly known as FairX, which the company acquired in 2022, has been a notable milestone. This acquisition has enabled Coinbase to expand its regulated derivatives offerings, addressing the growing demand for crypto futures and options among institutional investors.

As of 2025, Coinbase Institutional serves thousands of institutional clients and manages billions of dollars in assets. The introduction of ADA futures signals a broader commitment to diversifying its portfolio and reinforcing its position as a leader in institutional crypto adoption. This move is expected to catalyze price appreciation for ADA, providing institutional investors with a regulated avenue to gain exposure to Cardano.

Historically, the introduction of futures contracts for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum has led to increased liquidity and price discovery. ADA’s potential for growth has been further bolstered by its recent inclusion in a policy directive from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The executive order acknowledged ADA’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain innovation, positioning it favorably for regulatory clarity and institutional adoption.

On the regulatory front, confidence in ADA’s standing has strengthened following key legal victories. Charges against Coinbase were dismissed in February 2025, followed by a similar outcome for Kraken in March 2025. Meanwhile, the Binance case, where ADA was also targeted, has been put on hold. This comes after the SEC initially classified ADA as an unregistered security in its 2023 lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance.

The launch of ADA futures on Coinbase Derivatives could mark a turning point for Cardano’s institutional adoption, positioning ADA for further institutional adoption and price growth in the coming months. This development underscores Coinbase's commitment to providing innovative financial products that meet the evolving needs of institutional investors in the crypto space.