Coinbase launches CFTC-regulated perpetual futures for US traders amid growing crypto regulatory clarity

Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., launched perpetual futures for U.S. traders on Monday.

The platform now allows users to trade two perpetual futures contracts — nano Bitcoin Perpetual Futures and nano Ethereum Perpetual Futures.

"For years, U.S. crypto traders have looked on as their international counterparts utilized one of the most popular tools in the digital asset marketplace: perpetual futures," Coinbase wrote in its announcement. "Due to a complex regulatory landscape, they remained just out of reach for traders in the United States. Until now."

Coinbase further explained that users can trade the new perp futures products with up to 10x leverage. These products have expiration dates of 5 years, instead of monthly or quarterly expiration dates seen in traditional futures products. The exchange said this enables users to opt for a more flexible, long-term trading strategy. Trading fees start at 0.02% per contract.

This latest launch coincides with significant legislative advancements in the U.S., most notably the recent enactment of the GENIUS Act, which establishes a clear framework for stablecoins. 

The U.S. House of Representatives also passed the Clarity Act, which would create a clear regulatory framework for crypto in part through designating how the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission will regulate. 

These developments resulted in a significant surge across Bitcoin, Ether, and other major altcoins, amplifying the market's ongoing rally. Coinbase stocks also soared to record a new all-time high of above $437 last Friday, after hitting a $100 billion market capitalization earlier in the week.

Coinbase shares slid 1.47% on Monday, closing at $413.63, according to Google Finance data.