- Coinbase Derivatives seeks CFTC approval to launch XRP futures on April 21.
- Regulatory clarity and SEC case resolution boost institutional interest in XRP futures trading.
- XRP futures aim to enhance liquidity, offering traders a regulated way to gain market exposure.
Coinbase Derivatives is preparing to launch XRP futures, pending approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The exchange has filed for self-certification and expects to introduce the contracts on April 21, 2025. This move could expand institutional access to XRP and increase its liquidity in the derivatives market. XRP remains one of the top four digital assets by market capitalization, making it a prime candidate for futures products.
The announcement follows recent regulatory clarity surrounding XRP. Coinbase is the second U.S.-regulated platform to seek approval for XRP futures, following Bitnomial’s listing two weeks ago. The regulatory landscape has improved since the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) withdrew its appeal from the Ripple case. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed the SEC’s decision, potentially signaling the end of the five-year legal battle.
Shifts in the U.S. crypto regulation have also played a role. Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda has taken a more constructive stance on digital assets. His leadership has seen the dismissal of several legal actions against industry firms, including Coinbase. This regulatory change has encouraged the growing institutional interest in crypto derivatives trading.
Traders can access a regulated way of obtaining XRP through contractual agreements available on Coinbase. The contracts will be accessible through Coinbase Derivatives, which already contains Bitcoin (BTC) futures, Ethereum (ETH) futures, and Litecoin (LTC) futures. The self-certification process ensures compliance, allowing a streamlined launch unless the CFTC raises objections.
Related: Coinbase CEO Urges U.S. to Allow Interest on Stablecoins
Coinbase has been steadily expanding its derivatives offerings. It recently launched Solana (SOL) and Hedera (HBAR) futures. Additionally, the exchange is awaiting approval for Cardano (ADA) and Natural Gas (NGS) futures, expected to go live by the end of the month.
Futures contracts provide traders with opportunities for hedging and speculation. Their introduction on a major exchange like Coinbase could lead to higher trading volumes for XRP. Institutional investors, in particular, may see XRP futures as a structured way to participate in the market.
The growing acceptance of XRP in financial products is evident. Several fund managers have submitted applications to launch XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Notable firms include Bitwise, Canary Capital, 21Shares, WisdomTree, CoinShares, Grayscale, and Franklin Templeton. If approved, these ETFs could further strengthen XRP’s position in the market.
