Coinbase Applies for Stock and ETF Futures in the US: Will Access Be Opened?

Coinbase has applied to launch perpetual futures based on stocks and ETFs in the US.

Coinbase Derivatives has applied to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to offer cash-settled perpetual futures based on US-listed individual stocks and ETFs. The development reported by Wu Blockchain indicates that the products are not yet available for use and the application is in the approval stage.

Apple stock (AAPL) was used as a representative contract in the filing. This does not mean Apple will definitely be listed; the application covers a broader group of products not limited to a single stock. Cash settlement is planned instead of physical delivery for the contracts.

Coinbase’s stock futures could move to the US

In the CFTC filings, the product status is listed as “Approval Pending,” meaning it is waiting for approval. For Coinbase to launch these operations in the US, other necessary regulatory permissions must be obtained in addition to CFTC approval.

The products will be classified as security futures products for regulatory purposes. Therefore, the CFTC and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will have joint jurisdiction over the oversight of the application.

Coinbase already offers perpetual futures products tracking stock prices to eligible non-US users. The new application aims to make these products accessible in the US within a regulated framework. If the application is accepted, it could expand Coinbase’s scope of operations into derivative products linked to traditional financial markets in addition to crypto assets.