Coinbase to Launch Perpetual-Style Futures Contracts in the U.S.

Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced an exciting milestone in its service offerings. Starting July 21, 2023, Coinbase will introduce perpetual-style futures contracts for trading in the U.S., marking a significant step in expanding its growth within the regulated crypto derivatives market. This new financial instrument will be available for Bitcoin and Ethereum and will be traded on the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, a venue regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Understanding Perpetual-Style Futures Contracts

Traditional futures contracts come with specific expiration dates, after which the contract becomes void. In contrast, perpetual-style futures, or perpetual contracts, allow traders to hold their positions indefinitely. Coinbase’s innovative approach includes structuring these contracts as long-dated futures with five-year expirations. This format not only adheres to regulatory standards but also closely mimics the price dynamics associated with perpetual swaps, allowing for a more seamless trading experience.

Unlike offshore perpetual contracts, which comprise a dominating portion of the global crypto derivatives market but lack U.S. regulation, Coinbase’s perpetual-style futures incorporate a funding rate mechanism that accrues every hour and is settled twice daily. This design aims to simulate the price fluctuation typical of perpetual swaps while maintaining compliance with U.S. regulations.

The Impact of 24/7 Trading

One of the standout features of Coinbase’s new perpetual futures offering is the 24/7 trading availability. This allows traders to capitalize on market opportunities at any time without the constraints imposed by traditional market hours. Such flexibility is particularly appealing to crypto traders, who often capitalize on rapid price movements and want the freedom to act whenever market conditions favor them.

The trades will also be cleared through regulated clearing, further instilling confidence among traders that their transactions are secure and compliant. This move illustrates Coinbase’s commitment to fostering a transparent trading environment, catering to both retail and institutional investors.

Coinbase’s Continued Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy

In a separate development, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong declared that the company continues to invest in Bitcoin on a regular basis. Via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Armstrong stated, "We’re buying more bitcoin every week. Long Bitcoin." This revelation aligns with Coinbase’s strategy to solidify its position as a leading bitcoin holder. In Q1 2025, Coinbase revealed it had acquired $150 million worth of crypto, predominantly Bitcoin.

Currently, Coinbase holds approximately 9,257 BTC, amounting to nearly $1 billion, on its corporate balance sheet. This positions Coinbase as one of the top 10 publicly listed holders of Bitcoin, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.net. By doing so, Coinbase not only exemplifies its faith in Bitcoin’s future but also signals to other institutional investors about the asset’s potential for further growth.

The Regulatory Advantage of Coinbase

While many offshore exchanges offer perpetual contracts, they often operate in environments with lax regulatory oversight, which can lead to market manipulations and security concerns. Conversely, Coinbase’s regulated status in the U.S. allows it to navigate a complex compliance landscape while reassuring traders of the integrity of its offerings.

This regulated environment enables Coinbase to attract institutional investors who prioritize security and legality in their trading endeavors. With the introduction of the perpetual futures contracts, Coinbase not only enhances its product offerings but also solidifies its reputation as a trusted exchange in the highly competitive crypto landscape.

Market Response and Future Predictions

Industry experts anticipate a positive market response to Coinbase’s new offerings, particularly given the increasing popularity of futures trading among crypto enthusiasts. The ability to trade perpetual contracts on a regulated platform provides a new avenue for risk management and speculation. Institutional and retail traders alike are expected to embrace this expansion, enhancing trading volumes and liquidity on the Coinbase platform.

Coinbase’s move could pave the way for other exchanges to follow suit, potentially leading to an evolution in the trading landscape for cryptocurrencies. As demand for innovative financial products grows, being among the first to offer such a product is a strong position for Coinbase in an increasingly competitive environment.

Conclusion

Coinbase’s introduction of perpetual-style futures contracts marks a pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency trading landscape and showcases the platform’s commitment to regulatory compliance and security. With the potential for 24/7 trading, a robust structure that addresses price dynamics, and ongoing investments in Bitcoin, Coinbase is well-poised to further capture market share. As it continues to expand its offerings, traders can anticipate more innovative products designed to enhance their trading experiences while keeping compliance and security at the forefront.