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Coinbase just launched stock perpetual futures for traders outside America. The crypto giant said Friday it’s targeting non-US users who want leveraged exposure to major American stocks like Apple and Nvidia through cash-settled contracts.
The new product fits into Coinbase’s bigger plan to become what CEO Brian Armstrong calls an “everything exchange.” Retail traders can access the futures through Coinbase Advanced, while institutions get them via Coinbase International Exchange. Armstrong said back in January that expanding globally across different asset classes is basically the company’s top priority right now.
Monthly volumes hit crazy numbers in 2025. Perpetual futures on decentralized exchanges saw over $1.2 trillion in trading volume, and that’s just monthly figures we’re talking about.
European Launch Details
The equity perpetuals went live in 26 European countries under Coinbase’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive entity. Traders there can now get leveraged exposure to US stocks without actually owning the underlying shares. The move comes after Coinbase already launched regulated crypto futures and 24/5 cash equities trading in America.
But US customers can’t touch these products yet. Coinbase didn’t say when that might change or give any timeline for domestic availability. The company also stayed pretty vague about which other regions might see these futures next.
“We’re working on making these accessible to more markets,” a Coinbase spokesperson said. No specifics though.
The regulatory landscape in America makes things tricky for Coinbase. The company’s faced plenty of challenges navigating complex rules around crypto and financial products domestically. So they’re basically going around that by focusing on international markets first.
Market Demand and Competition
Traders have been hungry for diversified options beyond just crypto. The $1.2 trillion in monthly perpetual futures volume shows there’s real demand for leverage and risk management tools. Coinbase wants to grab a piece of that action.
The launch builds on partnerships Coinbase made with platforms like Kalshi, which let users trade prediction markets across all 50 states. Armstrong’s been pushing hard to integrate equities with existing crypto offerings to create what he calls a seamless trading experience. Market participants tracking Coinbase Commerce Users Face Seed Phrase will find additional context here.
Coinbase’s challenge now is maintaining robust infrastructure and providing enough liquidity for these new products. The competitive global market won’t make that easy. Other exchanges are probably watching closely to see how well Coinbase can execute.
The company hasn’t disclosed specific volume targets or revenue projections for the stock perpetuals. Industry observers think success will depend on how quickly Coinbase can scale up operations and attract institutional clients.
International expansion seems to be working for Coinbase so far. The European launch in March brought perpetual futures to Coinbase Advanced users across those 26 countries, and early reception has been positive according to company sources.
What’s Next
Coinbase plans to keep rolling out these futures to additional regions, but timing remains unclear. The firm’s strategic moves are getting watched closely by the global trading community, especially as it positions itself against established players.
The absence of US availability creates a gap that competitors might try to fill. American traders are definitely eager for similar opportunities, based on social media chatter and trading forum discussions.
Armstrong’s vision of an “everything exchange” covering spot, futures, and options across multiple asset classes is ambitious. Whether Coinbase can pull it off depends on execution and regulatory navigation in different markets. This development aligns with SEC acknowledges most cryptos are not, highlighting broader market trends.
The company’s ability to adapt to regional demands and regulatory requirements will be crucial. Each market has its own rules and trader preferences that Coinbase needs to figure out.
Coinbase stock closed Friday at $284.50, up 2.3% on news of the futures launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stock perpetual futures did Coinbase launch?
Coinbase launched cash-settled perpetual futures for major US stocks like Apple and Nvidia, available to non-US traders through Coinbase Advanced and Coinbase International Exchange.
When will US users get access to these stock futures?
Coinbase hasn’t provided any timeline for when US users might access stock perpetual futures, citing ongoing regulatory considerations.





