Kraken Brings US Crypto Perpetual Futures Trading into Regulatory Mainstream

Kraken is set to launch cryptocurrency perpetual futures trading in the US.

The move comes as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) moves toward allowing crypto derivatives to trade domestically, and as major exchanges try to bring demand for perpetual futures under US regulation after the market long centered on offshore venues.

Kraken's latest launch follows its acquisition of Bitnomial, a CFTC-licensed exchange, clearinghouse, and brokerage. The company has been expanding its derivatives business in recent months, having previously acquired NinjaTrader, a company registered with the CFTC.

The market views Kraken's perpetual futures launch as an example of the US crypto derivatives market moving further into the regulatory mainstream. If perpetual futures trading shifts from offshore exchanges to US-regulated platforms, competition among exchanges and participation by institutional investors could expand as well.