Kalshi seeks CFTC approval for first U.S.-regulated WTI crude perpetual futures contract, planning to launch as early as next week with restricted trading hours.
DeFi & Yields ·
Kalshi is seeking approval from the CFTC as early as next week to launch a perpetual futures contract referencing WTI crude oil, which would represent the first such product on a regulated U.S. exchange if the regulator grants permission. The CFTC-regulated prediction-market exchange operates with a $22 billion valuation and intends to support the contract.
The planned contract would operate on a restricted trading schedule—24 hours per day, five days per week—rather than around-the-clock. This structure reflects broader regulatory scrutiny of continuous energy futures trading and signals an attempt to balance market access with regulatory concerns around extended operating hours.
The timeline and final approval status remain uncertain. The filing is planned for the coming week, but CFTC acceptance is not guaranteed, and the actual launch date depends on the pace of the review process.