Coinbase launches crypto futures trading in the UK with up to 50x leverage.
DeFi & Yields ·
Coinbase has launched over 170 derivatives contracts for professional investors in the UK, including perpetual futures with leverage up to 50x. The expansion follows regulatory approval and positions the exchange to serve institutional demand in a key European market. Perpetual futures are unfunded agreements whose prices track an underlying asset without expiry, allowing traders to maintain leveraged exposure across market cycles.
Derivatives now comprise the majority of crypto trading volume globally, with open interest frequently exceeding $100 billion across major venues. The UK launch adds to Coinbase's broader push into regulated derivatives markets; the exchange has similarly pursued derivatives licensing in Australia and Canada, reflecting institutional appetite for leveraged instruments beyond spot trading. The product suite encompasses futures, options, and perpetual contracts tailored to professional client categories.
Outstanding questions include the timeline for retail access to these instruments in the UK, the specific fee structure Coinbase will employ, and whether additional leverage tiers or asset pairs will follow the initial rollout.