# CFTC Approves First US Bitcoin Perpetual Futures

**Published:** 2026-05-29T14:13:35.000Z  
**Topic:** Liquidation Crypto  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/416ce179-0679-4406-b67f-d926aa9566dd

US regulators approved the first bitcoin perpetual futures contracts for domestic exchanges, marking a shift from offshore trading to CFTC oversight.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved the first bitcoin perpetual futures contracts for United States-regulated exchanges, marking a significant shift for the crypto derivatives market [1]. Coinbase and Kalshi announced they are introducing these regulated products to US investors, moving a major trading segment into a domestic framework after years of reliance on offshore platforms [1].

**Key takeaways**
*   Kalshi received approval for its BTCPERP contract on May 29, marking the first bitcoin perpetual futures product on a US-regulated exchange [1][2].
*   Coinbase Financial Markets secured a no-action determination to connect US customers to international perpetual futures and options through its Bermuda entity [1][2].
*   The CFTC established distinct regulatory pathways for domestic listings and offshore products treated as foreign futures [2].
*   Market reaction included a 30% jump in Hyperliquid’s token to an all-time high, while Coinbase and Robinhood stocks rose 4% and 11% respectively [2].
*   Perpetual futures allow high leverage up to 50-to-1, posing risks of rapid losses for retail traders [1].

## New domestic framework for perpetual futures

Under the new framework, Kalshi filed its bitcoin-linked perpetual contract, listed as BTCPERP, on May 29 under the CFTC’s voluntary review process [1]. The regulator determined the product met requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act, allowing for a cash-settled contract that trades 24/7 with a funding mechanism tied to spot prices [1][2]. CFTC Chair Michael Selig described the action as historic, noting it charts a path for one of the most liquid segments of the crypto asset markets [2]. However, the agency issued a policy stating that new contracts tied to assets beyond current approved listings will require case-by-case regulatory review, meaning Kalshi's plans to list perpetuals for more than a dozen other cryptocurrencies remain subject to further approval [1].

## Coinbase gains access to global markets

While Kalshi focuses on domestic listings, the

## Sources
1. Analytics Insight — [Coinbase and Kalshi Launch Regulated Perpetual Crypto Futures for US Traders](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/news/coinbase-and-kalshi-launch-regulated-perpetual-crypto-futures-for-us-traders)
2. Decrypt — [Morning Minute: HYPE Soars as CFTC Gives Perps Green Light](https://decrypt.co/369586/morning-minute-hype-soars-cftc-gives-perps-green-light)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "CFTC Approves First US Bitcoin Perpetual Futures", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/416ce179-0679-4406-b67f-d926aa9566dd