CFTC Supports Crypto Perpetual Contracts
BITmarkets Team
May 30, 2026
In a notice published Friday, the regulator confirmed approval of the contracts, which allow traders to speculate on Bitcoin’s price movements without directly owning the underlying asset. According to the CFTC:
“The Order was based on representations and submissions made by Kalshi in support of its request for Commission approval, including its explanation and analysis of the BTCPERP Contract’s terms and conditions, the nature of the underlying commodity market, and the BTCPERP Contract’s compliance with applicable provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and the Commission’s regulations thereunder, including the Core Principles applicable to [Designated Contract Markets].”
Kalshi announced the launch of the contracts shortly after receiving approval, marking another step toward expanding its role within the derivatives market.
Crypto markets viewed as suitable for 24/7 trading
Perpetual futures, commonly known as "perps," are derivative products that enable traders to gain exposure to asset price movements without holding the asset itself. The newly approved contracts will be available through Kalshi and also accessible to users of Coinbase. The approval, combined with a separate no-action position granted to Coinbase, signals a more accommodating stance toward crypto derivatives from the CFTC.
Paul Grewal described the decision as a: “massive first for the industry”. In a separate statement, the regulator also highlighted that digital asset markets may be uniquely positioned for continuous trading. According to the CFTC, “derivatives referencing crypto assets may be well-suited for 24/7 trading due to their digital infrastructure and global reach.” The agency contrasted crypto markets with sectors such as agriculture, where trading activity is often influenced by regional factors and traditional market structures.
The comments come as major financial institutions continue exploring round-the-clock trading models. Earlier this week, CME Group also announced plans for 24/7 crypto futures trading, subject to regulatory approval.
Regulatory focus expands as prediction markets face legal challenges
The approval arrives amid ongoing legal and regulatory debates surrounding prediction markets in the United States. Earlier this week, Donald Trump publicly supported CFTC Chair Michael Selig and the agency’s authority over prediction markets. Trump's comments came as several US states continue pursuing legal action aimed at restricting or banning prediction market platforms.
Selig has argued that the CFTC maintains “exclusive jurisdiction” over such products under the Commodity Exchange Act. Despite the growing importance of the regulator in overseeing crypto and prediction markets, Selig currently remains both chair and the sole commissioner of the agency.
The CFTC is intended to operate with a five-member bipartisan commission, but as of Friday, no additional nominations had been announced to fill the vacant seats. The developments highlight the increasing convergence between crypto trading, derivatives markets and regulatory oversight as digital asset products continue moving closer to mainstream financial infrastructure.
Sources:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/cftc-crypto-perpetual-contracts-trading-advisory
https://x.com/iampaulgrewal/status/2060365347065319600
https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9240-26
