Kraken Launches CFTC-Regulated Perpetual Futures for US Customers

Kraken has rolled out perpetual futures trading for eligible clients in the U.S. on a platform regulated by the CFTC, marking a significant shift in the crypto derivatives scene. These perpetual contracts, or 'perps,' allow traders to take leveraged positions—both long and short—on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum without any expiration. This move follows Kraken's acquisition of Bitnomial, a licensed U.S. derivatives exchange worth up to $550 million, completed in May 2026 after acquiring NinjaTrader in May 2025. The new offerings are available through Kraken Pro and managed by NinjaTrader Clearing, now Kraken Derivatives US. CFTC Chair Mike Selig noted that these futures comply with the Commodity Exchange Act. John Palmer, Kraken’s derivatives head, expects adoption to mirror that of spot Bitcoin ETFs. This launch taps into a market that saw $61.7 trillion in global volume in 2025, previously dominated by offshore platforms.