CFTC Approves Bitcoin Perpetual Contracts, Signals Support for 24/7 Trading
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a significant step toward integrating crypto derivatives into regulated markets. On May 29, the agency approved Bitcoin perpetual futures contracts for Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated exchange, marking the first time such a product has been officially sanctioned by the CFTC. Alongside this, the regulator issued guidance supporting 24/7 trading for digital asset derivatives, further aligning with the global nature of crypto markets.
Kalshi's newly approved perpetual contracts allow traders to speculate on Bitcoin prices without owning the underlying asset. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts have no expiration date, using funding rate mechanisms to ensure price alignment with the underlying spot market. The CFTC’s order emphasized that Kalshi’s offering complies with the Commodity Exchange Act and the agency’s Core Principles for Designated Contract Markets.
According to CFTC Chairman Mike Selig, this approval represents a "major step forward" for regulated crypto markets in the U.S., potentially shifting trading activity that has long been dominated by offshore exchanges into a compliant domestic framework. Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal called the decision a “massive first for the industry” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). While Coinbase itself received a no-action letter from the CFTC regarding perpetuals earlier, Kalshi's approval marks the first listing of such a contract by a U.S. exchange.
24/7 Trading Backed for Crypto, Not Traditional Markets
In a separate advisory, the CFTC supported 24/7 trading for digital asset derivatives, citing the global and digital nature of crypto markets as a strong fit. The agency differentiated this from traditional asset classes like agriculture, where regional markets and unique customer bases would make round-the-clock trading impractical. This tailored approach underscores the regulator’s evolving stance on crypto, acknowledging its unique infrastructure while maintaining a cautious, case-by-case review process.
The move could attract institutional players who have hesitated to engage with offshore platforms due to regulatory risks. By bringing perpetual contracts under the U.S. regulatory umbrella, the CFTC is effectively expanding access to these products while enforcing compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act.
Regulatory Context and Implications
The approval of Bitcoin perpetuals and the support for 24/7 trading come as the CFTC faces increasing scrutiny over its jurisdiction in crypto markets. Chairman Selig, currently the sole commissioner on a panel meant to include five members, has pushed for the agency to solidify its authority over prediction markets and crypto derivatives. President Donald Trump, in a recent social media post, backed Selig’s leadership and the CFTC’s exclusive jurisdiction under the Commodity Exchange Act, though no additional commissioner nominations have been announced.
By onshoring perpetual trading activity, the CFTC’s decision could also impact offshore exchanges that have traditionally dominated this market, such as Binance and Bybit. The move may prompt further institutional participation, as regulated futures products are often a prerequisite for larger investors wary of unregulated markets.
What’s Next?
The Kalshi Bitcoin perpetual contracts are expected to launch in the coming weeks, and the CFTC’s 24/7 trading stance may encourage other U.S.-regulated exchanges to follow suit. CME Group, a major derivatives marketplace, has also announced plans for 24/7 crypto futures trading, pending regulatory review. These developments signal a broader shift toward integrating crypto into traditional financial systems while maintaining compliance with established regulatory standards.