Kalshi Obtains CFTC Approval to Launch Bitcoin Perpetual Futures Contracts
The American financial landscape has just shifted. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has authorized Kalshi to launch the first fully regulated Bitcoin perpetual futures contracts in the United States. A historic decision marking a decisive turning point for the institutional adoption of crypto-assets.
In Brief
- The CFTC allows Kalshi to launch regulated Bitcoin perpetual contracts.
- This is the first Bitcoin perpetual futures approved through this regulatory process in 2026.
- This decision intensifies direct competition with Polymarket and offshore platforms like Hyperliquid.
The CFTC officially opens the door to Bitcoin perps
On May 29, 2026, the CFTC issued an Order for Approval to Kalshi for the launch of the BTCPERP contract. This is a perpetual contract referencing the bitcoin spot price, treated like a futures contract. A company spokesperson announced a launch within the next month.
This green light is based on the Commodity Exchange Act. The Commission indeed concluded that the BTCPERP contract complies with the law and current regulations. This includes the Core Principles applicable to designated contract markets.
Kalshi thus becomes the first American entity to offer these financial instruments under strict federal oversight. Above all, this decision definitively legitimizes bitcoin as a leading financial asset in the eyes of Washington.
A $90 trillion market finally accessible to Americans
Kalshi claims that the asset class of perpetual futures (which supported $90 trillion in trading volume last year) was until now completely closed off to American institutions. CEO Tarek Mansour describes this approval as Kalshi’s evolution towards a “next-generation derivatives exchange.”
The promise: onshore, safe, and regulated perps capable of improving capital allocation for American players.
Until now, this market was dominated by offshore platforms. This primarily refers to the DEX Hyperliquid, considered the undisputed leader in this segment. The platform faces pressure from traditional financial actors concerned about its impact on market integrity.
Kalshi accelerates against Polymarket
This approval also redefines the rivalry between the two giants of the American predictive market.
Kalshi describes this expansion as its most significant since the introduction of event contracts. For its part, Polymarket announced last month its intention to also offer perpetual futures to its users. The company even cites underlyings like Nvidia, Coinbase, silver, and gold, with leverage up to 10x.
One thing is certain: Kalshi’s BTCPERP approval by the CFTC marks a turning point for Bitcoin perpetual futures in the United States. The market now watches how Kalshi will seize this opportunity against Polymarket and offshore giants. The coming weeks will be decisive!
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My name is Ariela, and I am 31 years old. I have been working in the field of web writing for 7 years now. I only discovered trading and cryptocurrency a few years ago, but it is a universe that greatly interests me. The topics covered on the platform allow me to learn more. A singer in my spare time, I also cultivate a great passion for music and reading (and animals!)
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.