A major shift could be on the horizon for U.S. crypto markets. In a new interview, CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger confirmed that crypto perpetual futures may be approved for trading in the United States “very soon.” The move could mark a turning point for derivatives traders — and bring a massive portion of offshore activity back under U.S. regulatory oversight.

Table of Contents

  • CFTC Signals Readiness for Regulated Crypto Perp Futures

  • Why Perpetual Futures Matter for the Crypto Market

  • From the CFTC to the Blockchain Association: A Changing Role

  • Final Thoughts: A Regulatory Shift That Could Change Everything

CFTC Signals Readiness for Regulated Crypto Perp Futures

In an interview with Bloomberg on May 22, Mersinger said she believes regulated perpetual futures products are already viable under current frameworks and that applications are actively under review.

“We’re seeing some of those products come in now, and I believe they’ll be trading live very soon,” she said.

 “It’s unfortunate that this activity has been offshore for so long. Bringing it back under U.S. regulation would be hugely beneficial.”

This is the clearest indication yet that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is preparing to allow perpetual crypto derivatives — long a grey area for U.S. traders, who’ve had to rely on platforms based in Asia or Europe.

Why Perpetual Futures Matter for the Crypto Market

Perpetual futures (or “perps”) are a core product in global crypto trading. Unlike traditional futures, they have no expiry date and are favored by both institutional and retail traders for their liquidity and 24/7 price exposure.

Yet in the U.S., trading these products has largely been restricted to offshore exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and OKX, due to regulatory uncertainty.

Allowing them to trade legally in the U.S. would:

  • Unlock massive trading volume for U.S.-based platforms

  • Offer better protections for retail and institutional users

  • Create clear compliance lanes for exchanges under CFTC jurisdiction

  • Bring billions in open interest back onshore

From the CFTC to the Blockchain Association: A Changing Role

Commissioner Mersinger also used the interview to explain her upcoming departure from the CFTC. Although her term was set to continue through 2028, she announced plans to join the Blockchain Association in a leadership role.

“It was heartbreaking to leave early,” she said, “but I believe I can contribute more from the industry side — especially to push through stablecoin legislation and market structure reforms.”

She also confirmed that the CFTC remains committed to a bipartisan approach to regulation and emphasized that the U.S. must embrace crypto to stay competitive globally.

Final Thoughts: A Regulatory Shift That Could Change Everything

If Mersinger’s forecast proves accurate, crypto perp futures could soon become a reality for U.S. traders — under proper regulatory guardrails.

That means safer markets, higher volumes, and better institutional access.It also means the U.S. is finally waking up to a reality traders have known for years: crypto derivatives aren’t going away — and if America doesn’t regulate them, someone else will.