The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has authorized Coinbase Financial Markets to offer Deribit futures to customers in the United States. The move opens up a new channel for US traders to access derivatives from one of the largest crypto options and futures platforms.
The scope of the approval
The CFTC's permission means Coinbase Financial Markets, acting as a futures commission merchant, can now list and trade futures contracts from Deribit. The regulator did not specify which particular products are included, but Deribit is best known for Bitcoin and Ethereum options and futures.
Why the CFTC's decision stands out
Deribit's products have largely been unavailable to US customers due to regulatory hurdles. By partnering with a CFTC-registered entity like Coinbase, those barriers are lowered. The approval aligns with the agency's growing acceptance of digital asset derivatives under its oversight.
What this means for Coinbase
For Coinbase, the approval adds a new revenue stream and deepens its presence in the derivatives space. The company already operates a spot exchange and recently launched a futures commission merchant arm. Bringing Deribit's liquidity to US customers could attract institutional traders.
The CFTC's decision is effective immediately. Coinbase has not yet announced when trading will begin or which specific contracts will be available first.
