CFTC Weighs Approval of Crypto Perpetual Futures in the U.S.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is evaluating whether to permit cryptocurrency perpetual futures contracts to be traded domestically—a potential game-changer for digital asset markets in the country. These contracts, which don’t have a set expiration date, are already popular in offshore markets and allow investors to speculate on crypto prices without owning the underlying assets.

Crypto perpetual futures, unlike traditional futures, remain active indefinitely and allow continuous speculation. The growing popularity of these contracts on global platforms, such as Binance, has attracted the attention of U.S. regulators. If approved, the move would bring the U.S. more in line with other jurisdictions that already offer these instruments.

According to CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger, the agency is prepared to authorize these products. “I believe we’ll have some of those products trading live very soon,” Mersinger told Bloomberg. “It would be great to get that trading back onshore in the United States.”

Analysts Call Move ‘Bullish’ as Market Awaits Regulatory Clarity

ers of the initiative believe that introducing perpetual futures into the U.S. market would significantly boost market liquidity and open new avenues for investment strategies such as hedging and speculation. Crypto analyst Crypto Rover called the development “very bullish,” highlighting the enthusiasm it has generated within the industry.

The CFTC began gathering public on the issue in April, alongside ongoing discussions surrounding event-based contracts. Mersinger emphasized the CFTC’s readiness for this role: “The CFTC is uniquely positioned to be the right regulator for the crypto spot market. We already have a lot of regulatory oversight of trading that happens in the futures market on some of these assets.”

Regulatory Shifts and Leadership Transitions Shape Future Direction

As the CFTC considers this expansion, the agency is also experiencing leadership transitions. Commissioner Summer Mersinger, who has been a vocal er of crypto market development, is stepping down on May 30 to become CEO of the Blockchain Association.

Set to replace her is Brian Quintenz, a known advocate for digital assets. Pending congressional confirmation, Quintenz is expected to take over as CFTC Chairman. His credentials include a previous stint as a CFTC commissioner and advisory roles at Crypto.com, along with a board seat at prediction market Kalshi.

“We have a very strong incoming [CFTC] chairman who has a great voice for the crypto industry and will be a real advocate for the industry and the agency,” Mersinger noted.

In related developments, the CFTC recently withdrew its Kalshi to continue operating.

A planned roundtable on the regulation of sports event contracts, scheduled for April 30, was also unexpectedly canceled, leaving further regulatory discussions pending.

Source:

“Crypto Rover: CFTC considers allowing crypto perpetual futures in US”, tradersunion.com, May 22, 2025