Ondo Perps CEO David Wells discusses opportunities for perpetual futures in the U.S. market under a compliant regulatory model.
DeFi & Yields ·
David Wells, CEO of Ondo Perps, has identified a substantial opportunity for perpetual futures products in the United States market if structured under a compliant regulatory framework. His assessment reflects broader industry momentum, as U.S. regulators and several firms are actively exploring pathways for perpetual futures to operate domestically.
Perpetual futures—leveraged contracts with no expiration date—have operated primarily offshore or in unregulated venues. A compliant U.S. model would likely require alignment with existing derivatives oversight, though the specific regulatory structure remains under development. Wells's optimism suggests that institutional and retail demand may support a domestic market once regulatory clarity solidifies.
The mechanics of how U.S. perpetual futures would be licensed, margined, and supervised remain an open question. Likewise, it is unclear whether existing frameworks like futures exchanges or alternative trading systems would be the primary vehicle, or whether new rules would be needed.