Coinbase to Introduce 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures Trading Under CFTC Regulation

Coinbase is set to launch the first-ever 24/7 Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures trading under U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulation. This move eliminates the limitations of fixed trading hours and aligns the U.S. crypto derivatives market with global standards.

A Shift in Crypto Trading Dynamics

For years, U.S. crypto traders have faced restrictions due to market closures during weekends and holidays. Unlike traditional stock markets, cryptocurrencies operate 24/7, yet futures trading in the U.S. has remained bound by legacy financial structures. Coinbase Derivatives aims to change this by offering round-the-clock futures contracts, allowing traders to react instantly to market movements and manage risk in real-time.

Beyond offering continuous trading, Coinbase is also introducing a perpetual-style futures contract. Unlike traditional futures contracts, which have fixed expiration dates, perpetual contracts allow traders to hold positions indefinitely, providing greater flexibility and liquidity.

Growing Demand for Continuous Trading

The launch of 24/7 crypto futures trading comes as financial markets worldwide increasingly embrace continuous trading models. Nasdaq recently announced plans to enable 24-hour stock trading by 2026, citing the growing demand for around-the-clock market access.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev also highlighted the advantages of blockchain-based financial systems, stating, “24/7 is going to be tough with traditional infrastructure, but if we think about tokenization, that’s one of the advantages… blockchains run 24/7—it’s just software.”

Greg Tusar, Coinbase’s Vice President of Institutional Products, reinforced this sentiment, saying, “Crypto markets never sleep, and traders need the ability to manage risk and seize opportunities in real-time. By introducing 24/7 futures and developing a perpetual-style contract, we’re bringing U.S.-regulated markets in line with the global crypto economy.”

The Rising Influence of Crypto Derivatives

The crypto derivatives market currently accounts for approximately 75% of all crypto trading volume and is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to $5 billion by 2032. Until now, most of this activity has been concentrated on offshore platforms like Binance, which offer perpetual futures beyond the reach of U.S. regulators.

Coinbase’s move to bring continuous, regulated futures trading to the U.S. presents a compliant alternative for traders seeking reliability and regulatory oversight.

Market Efficiency and Real-Time Reactions

Recent events have demonstrated the drawbacks of fixed trading hours. When former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a national crypto reserve on a Sunday, crypto traders could react immediately. Meanwhile, traditional market participants had to wait until Monday, exposing inefficiencies in legacy financial markets.

Additionally, the Taiwan Stock Exchange experienced a significant increase in trading volume after transitioning to continuous trading, reinforcing the potential benefits of always-on market structures.

A Game Changer for U.S. Crypto Markets

Coinbase’s introduction of 24/7 regulated futures trading marks a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. By removing time restrictions and aligning with international markets, the company is reshaping the future of crypto derivatives in the U.S. This shift could pave the way for broader adoption of continuous trading models in traditional financial markets, bridging the gap between crypto and legacy systems.