Outgoing Commissioner Hints at Near-Term Approval as Crypto Derivatives Push Onshore
Outgoing CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger has suggested that crypto perpetual futures contracts could soon be greenlit for trading within the United States, a development that would mark a significant shift for the crypto derivatives landscape.
“Perpetuals can come to market now,” Mersinger said during a May 22 interview with Bloomberg TV.
“We’re seeing some applications, and I believe we’ll see some of those products trading live very soon.”
Mersinger emphasized the potential benefits of bringing crypto derivatives trading back onshore, saying that having such products regulated in the US would be a “really good thing for the markets” and would benefit the industry broadly.
What Are Crypto Perpetual Futures?
Perpetual futures are a type of derivative contract that allows investors to speculate on crypto prices without holding the underlying assets. Unlike traditional futures, they do not have expiration dates and are commonly used with high leverage, often exceeding 100x.
Currently, crypto perps are unavailable on US-based platforms due to regulatory constraints. Most of the trading volume is concentrated on offshore exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit.
According to CoinGecko, Binance alone processes nearly $95 billion in daily perpetual trading volume, offering over 500 trading pairs with up to 125x leverage.
Regulatory Shifts: Stablecoin Bill and Derivatives Momentum
Mersinger cited the recent progress on the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin regulation bill, as a sign of broader crypto acceptance.
“This asset class is clearly here to stay,” she said.
“We really are going to make the United States the forefront of economic power that we can see from these tokens and this asset class.”
Mersinger to Lead Blockchain Association in June
Commissioner Mersinger is set to leave the CFTC at the end of May and will assume the role of CEO of the Blockchain Association on June 2, following the departure of Kristin Smith.
The Blockchain Association represents over 100 crypto companies and protocols and has played a prominent role in shaping regulatory discourse in Washington.
“We have a very strong incoming [CFTC] chairman who has a great voice for the crypto industry,” Mersinger added, referring to the ongoing transition within the Commission.
“I hope to contribute even more to the space in my new role.”
Outlook: A Turning Point for US Crypto Derivatives
The potential approval of perpetual futures trading in the US could level the playing field between offshore and domestic exchanges, creating more regulated, transparent markets for both retail and institutional investors.
As Mersinger transitions to a new role within the crypto advocacy sector, the move may signal an increased alignment between industry and regulators—a development welcomed by market participants hoping for clearer, more favorable rules for advanced crypto financial products.
