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US Nears Approval for Crypto Futures
US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Summer Mersinger announced that crypto perpetual futures could soon be approved in the US. In an interview with Bloomberg TV on May 22, 2025, Mersinger stated that applications for these products have been received. Responding to a question about the proposals, she indicated that the United States is progressing in the approval process. She did not provide a specific timeline but highlighted perpetual futures as part of upcoming regulatory steps.
“It would be great to get that trading back onshore in the United States,” said Mersinger. “I think it’s unfortunate that it has been driven offshore for so long.”.
Crypto futures allow traders to speculate on a cryptocurrency’s price without an expiration date. In April 2025, the global crypto futures trading volume reached approximately $3.7 trillion. However, these transactions have not yet been approved in the U.S. Mersinger emphasized that the evolving regulatory environment could bring these products to the USA. She also noted that the CFTC, as an independent agency, will continue to function regardless of political leadership, with the regulatory framework benefiting the industry.
Mersinger’s New Role and Crypto Policies
Mersinger will leave the CFTC on May 30, 2025, to become CEO of the Blockchain Association, a significant move for one of the crypto industry’s leading advocacy groups. In her new role, she will continue to support the sector. Mersinger’s comments come at a time when the United States is making progress in crypto regulations. Coinbase launched 24/7 perpetual futures trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in March 2025, under CFTC oversight. Additionally, the SEC’s delay in decisions on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has created market uncertainty. However, Mersinger’s optimistic remarks are raising expectations for crypto futures.
When crypto perpetual futures are approved in the United States, they will directly boost market liquidity. Investors will be able to conduct transactions more flexibly using these products. This development would draw the derivatives market, which accounts for 85% of global crypto trading, to the US, increasing trading volume in the country.
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