Key Insights
- Coinbase will soon introduce 24/7 futures trading via its CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange, marking a first for a U.S.-regulated platform.
- The move eliminates trading gaps in U.S. markets, aligning with offshore exchanges that already offer continuous futures trading.
CHICAGO (MarketsXplora) – Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase will introduce round-the-clock trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum futures in the coming weeks, marking the first such offering by a U.S.-regulated exchange, the company announced on Monday.
The new service will be available through Coinbase Derivatives, the firm’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated platform, aiming to bring U.S. futures markets in line with the continuous nature of crypto trading.
“Today, U.S. futures markets operate within fixed trading hours—out of sync with the 24/7 nature of crypto,” Coinbase said in a statement. “This forces traders to sit on the sidelines during key market moves, limiting their ability to react in real time.”
Bridging the Gap with Offshore Exchanges
By removing these restrictions, the move is expected to help Coinbase compete more directly with offshore exchanges, which have long provided 24/7 futures trading. Traditional U.S. futures markets, such as CME’s crypto futures, include breaks in trading, with a one-hour daily pause and a weekend closure from Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT until Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Coinbase is also developing a “first of its kind perpetual-style futures contract with long-dated expirations,” further closing the gap with offshore platforms that are not registered with U.S. regulators. The company said it is working closely with the CFTC, market participants, and partners to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while addressing client needs.
The move comes amid a growing shift toward decentralized futures trading. Over the past six months, decentralized exchanges have seen an increasing share of futures trade volume, with Hyperliquid, a leading decentralized perpetual futures exchange, reporting record-high trading volumes in January.