Coinbase Launches Perpetual Futures in US on July 21

Coinbase, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is set to introduce a new range of perpetual-style futures contracts in the United States on July 21. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, as it will be the first time such products are available under the regulation of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The new futures contracts are engineered to deliver a leveraged trading experience that closely mirrors the spot price of cryptocurrencies, with a primary focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The perpetual-style futures contracts will feature a long-term contract design with a 5-year expiration, offering 24/7 trading hours. This contrasts with traditional futures contracts, which typically have quarterly expirations. The new contracts will also include a funding rate mechanism to align futures prices with the spot market, enabling traders to engage in perpetual trading without the need for contract rollovers.

This launch is aimed at addressing unmet domestic demand in the U.S. market. By providing a regulated alternative to offshore platforms, Coinbase seeks to attract traders back to the U.S. and offer them a compliant and secure trading environment. The initial contracts to be launched include nano Bitcoin perpetual futures (0.01 BTC) and nano Ethereum perpetual futures (0.10 ETH), designed to offer traders the flexibility to trade in smaller sizes.

The introduction of these perpetual-style futures contracts is a strategic move by Coinbase to expand its derivatives offerings and attract more traders to its platform. By providing a regulated and compliant trading environment, Coinbase aims to differentiate itself from offshore platforms and capture a larger share of the U.S. derivatives market. The launch of these contracts is expected to positively impact the overall growth and development of the U.S. cryptocurrency market, as it will provide traders with more options and flexibility in their trading strategies.

These new futures mimic the global format, offering 24/7 trading, embedded leverage, and tight price tracking. Unlike traditional futures that expire quarterly, these will operate on a five-year rolling term, allowing traders to hold positions long-term without the need for constant rollovers. The contracts will start with nano-sized versions—0.01 BTC and 0.10 ETH—making them accessible to a wide range of traders. Each contract will feature funding rates to keep prices in line with spot values, 24/7 access, ensuring continuous trading without market closure, and built-in leverage, enabling traders to amplify positions with risk controls.

This format addresses a key demand among U.S. investors who previously turned to offshore exchanges for similar products—often at the cost of regulatory clarity and asset security. With U.S. regulators increasing scrutiny on offshore trading platforms, Coinbase’s solution offers a compliant alternative. It is expected to attract both retail and institutional players seeking advanced crypto tools within a regulated environment. This launch not only deepens Coinbase’s product offerings but also marks a pivotal moment for the evolution of crypto derivatives in the U.S.

As the July 21 launch approaches, Coinbase is expected to release more details about leverage options, funding rates, and supported trading platforms. The move sets a new standard in regulated digital asset markets. The launch of these perpetual-style futures contracts is a strategic move by Coinbase to expand its derivatives offerings and attract more traders to its platform. By providing a regulated and compliant trading environment, Coinbase aims to differentiate itself from offshore platforms and capture a larger share of the U.S. derivatives market. The launch of these contracts is expected to have a positive impact on the overall growth and development of the U.S. cryptocurrency market, as it will provide traders with more options and flexibility in their trading strategies.