Coinbase has announced the launch of round-the-clock trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum futures in the U.S., becoming the first regulated platform to offer such a service.
Launch of Round-the-Clock Trading
Coinbase has launched 24/7 trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum futures in the U.S. through its subsidiary Coinbase Derivatives. The platform will operate seven days a week, including weekends, providing investors access to derivatives that were previously unavailable in the U.S. regulated crypto market.
Expansion Plans and Institutional Support
Coinbase aims to expand its derivatives offerings with perpetual futures contracts in the coming months. These contracts will be supported by institutional partners such as Virtu Financial, ABN AMRO, and Wedbush Securities. Additionally, Coinbase has acquired Deribit, a major offshore crypto derivatives exchange, positioning itself to compete with leading players in the sector.
Comparison with Competitors
While Coinbase confines its operations to CFTC-regulated frameworks, its primary competitors like CME Group already offer Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, but only during business hours. Offshore platforms that provide perpetual contracts with higher leverage may attract more risk-tolerant traders.
The launch of 24/7 trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum futures marks a significant step for Coinbase, opening new opportunities in the U.S. crypto market. However, the company faces challenges from competitive pressures and regulatory complexities.
