Binance API update hints at stock perpetual contracts as exchanges eye TradFi markets

Binance has quietly moved a step closer toward offering stock-linked perpetual futures, according to a Dec. 11 update to the exchange’s derivatives API documentation.

The change log for USDⓈ-M futures added a new REST endpoint — POST /fapi/v1/stock/contract — designed for users to sign a "TradFi-Perps agreement contract," typically required before trading traditional finance-linked perpetuals.

Binance has not formally announced the rollout of stock perpetual contracts, and it remains unclear when, or even if, the instrument will launch. Still, the inclusion of a dedicated stock-perps contract endpoint suggests infrastructure is being prepared behind the scenes.

The Block reached out to Binance for comment.

Why stock perpetuals matter

Stock perpetual contracts extend the crypto-native perp model — derivatives with no expiration dates and funding-rate mechanisms — into traditional equity markets. Instead of waiting for regulated stock markets to open, traders can take leveraged long or short positions on equities 24/7, with settlement typically in stablecoins like USDT.

For offshore crypto venues, the appeal appears obvious: equities represent a multi-trillion-dollar asset class, and offering round-the-clock access creates a product unavailable in traditional brokerage channels.

As for crypto traders, these contracts provide a frictionless way to express macro views, hedge portfolios, or speculate on single-stock names without interacting with traditional brokers.

The model remains niche, and regulatory uncertainty limits adoption, but exchanges have begun building the plumbing as tokenized stock exposure accelerates.

Industry momentum

Binance’s quiet API move lands amid a broader shift toward real-world-asset derivatives across both centralized and decentralized platforms.

Crypto exchanges like Bybit and Kraken have rolled out tokenized stock products, tapping providers like Backed Finance to offer onchain exposure to these traditional financial instruments.

In July, Coinbase also expanded its U.S. derivatives offering through CFTC-regulated nano futures for bitcoin and ether. While not yet tied to equities, Coinbase executives argued that the launch could lay the groundwork for a more complete derivatives suite — including markets that more closely mirror traditional finance.

On the decentralized side, Ostium, a protocol backed by General Catalyst and Jump Crypto, has emerged as an RWA-perp specialist. The platform offers 24/7 perpetuals linked to equities, metals, and energy markets. Since 2023, the platform founded by Harvard alumni has raised about $27.8 million from investors.

Tokenized stock access has also gained traction across offshore exchanges this year, with DeFi platforms such as Hyperliquid, Lighter, and smaller derivatives venues rolling out equity-themed or synthetic stock markets. Growing demand has also attracted venture capitalist allocations to decentralized venues, as trading activity surged in 2025, topping $1 trillion in October and November, according to The Block's data.