- Coinbase Derivatives will launch XRP futures on April 21, 2025, offering a regulated way for investors to trade the asset.
- The move has sparked excitement and some criticism over terminology, as the community emphasized the distinction between Ripple and XRP.
Coinbase Institutional has made a major announcement that’s turning heads in the crypto space. Its subsidiary, Coinbase Derivatives, has filed with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to self-certify new XRP futures contracts—slated to go live on April 21, 2025.
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This move is significant for XRP holders and crypto traders alike. By offering a regulated and capital-efficient way to gain exposure to XRP, Coinbase is bringing one of the most liquid digital assets further into the institutional spotlight. The self-certification process means that as long as the contract meets CFTC requirements, it can launch without needing direct agency approval—a common path for regulated exchanges introducing new futures products.
XRP futures could provide both institutional and retail investors with new tools for hedging and speculation. As these contracts roll out on a trusted U.S.-regulated platform, they’re expected to drive increased trading volume and deepen market liquidity for XRP.
But the news didn’t land without a bit of controversy. A now-deleted post by Coinbase Institutional referred to the upcoming product as “Ripple futures,” prompting swift criticism from the crypto community. Industry veterans quickly pointed out that Ripple is the company, while XRP is the digital asset. One user on X, Adam, noted that such a mislabel from Coinbase could spread misinformation, urging the firm to clarify its language.
This distinction isn’t just semantics—it’s a key issue that has long been a point of discussion in crypto circles. Ripple, the fintech firm, uses XRP in some of its solutions, but the asset itself operates independently and is utilized by various entities across the ecosystem.
As the April 21 launch date nears, the market will be watching closely for more details on the XRP futures contracts. Coinbase Institutional has promised to share further specifications soon, making this a must-watch development for anyone interested in regulated crypto derivatives and the future of XRP trading in the U.S.
