Coinbase just shattered the traditional trading mold. The crypto exchange giant launched the first CFTC-regulated 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures in the United States. No more waiting around for markets to open. No more missing opportunities while Wall Street sleeps.
The move directly addresses a major disconnect in crypto markets. Digital assets trade non-stop globally, but U.S. traders were stuck with fixed hours. Not anymore. Through Coinbase Derivatives, LLC and a partnership with Nodal Clear, traders can now react to market movements whenever they happen.
These aren’t just any contracts. Coinbase is offering both full-sized and “nano” versions – tiny contracts sized at 1/100th of a Bitcoin or 1/10th of an Ether. Position limits depend on your income and net worth. Sorry, not everyone gets to play with the big toys.
Size matters with Coinbase’s new contracts – full-sized for whales, “nano” versions for everyone else. Your wallet determines your playground.
The timing couldn’t be better. Derivatives already account for 75% of global crypto trading volume, with monthly volumes hitting $1.3 trillion last September. That’s serious money. The market is expected to more than triple from $1.5 billion to $5 billion by 2032. As with the broader crypto market, these futures will have their market cap calculated by multiplying token price by circulating supply. The initiative aligns with CEO Brian Armstrong’s vision after his White House summit participation. Coinbase wants its slice of that very lucrative pie. The company is also developing perpetual-style futures contracts that don’t expire, eliminating the hassle of rolling over positions.
Regulators are watching closely. Coinbase worked with the CFTC throughout development, aiming to meet U.S. standards while still offering what traders want. It’s a direct challenge to offshore exchanges that have dominated the space.
The trading window runs from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, with just a one-hour daily break. Even during that break, traders can queue orders. No more staring at your screen waiting for markets to open.
Competition is fierce. CME Group already moves $10 billion in daily crypto contract volume, and Robinhood is eyeing the same space. But Coinbase has the crypto-native credibility many traders trust.
For U.S. crypto enthusiasts, this levels the playing field with global platforms like Binance and Bybit. Wall Street’s fixed hours felt archaic in crypto’s 24/7 world. Coinbase just bridged that gap.
