Coinbase launches regulated XRP futures contracts, offering exposure to the digital asset for both retail and institutional traders - IcoHolder.

Coinbase Derivatives, a subsidiary of Coinbase Global, has expanded its product offerings with the launch of regulated XRP futures contracts, catering to both institutional and retail crypto traders in the United States. The launch, announced on April 21 via a post on X, introduces self-certified products approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The new futures contracts are designed to offer capital-efficient exposure to XRP, one of the most liquid digital assets in the market. Futures contracts allow traders to buy or sell an asset at a specified price at a future date, providing the opportunity to use leverage without holding the actual asset. This makes them popular tools for speculation and hedging in the volatile cryptocurrency market.

According to the official filing with the CFTC, Coinbase's XRP futures products include a nano contract representing 500 XRP and a standard version covering 10,000 XRP. Both contracts are tied to the MarketVector Coinbase XRP Index and are settled in U.S. dollars. The nano version is aimed at smaller market participants and retail traders, while the standard contract is designed for larger institutions seeking greater liquidity.

Coinbase's launch of XRP futures follows the introduction of similar futures products for Solana and Hedera, which went live earlier in 2025. The exchange now offers over 20 cryptocurrency-based contracts, complementing its traditional offerings like gold and crude oil futures.

The move coincides with growing institutional interest in XRP. Notable asset managers such as Bitwise, 21Shares, and Franklin Templeton have recently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch XRP-linked exchange-traded products. Coinbase’s regulated futures contracts are likely to meet this demand by providing a compliant route for investors to gain exposure to XRP.

This launch also comes amid a pivotal moment in the SEC’s ongoing legal battle with Ripple Labs, the company behind the XRP Ledger. Earlier this month, both parties filed a joint motion to pause the case, revealing that they had reached an "agreement-in-principle" for a potential settlement. If approved by the SEC’s commissioners, the case could conclude within 60 days, signaling a significant development in the legal landscape surrounding XRP.