Coinbase Unveils Derivatives Trading for UK Professionals

Coinbase has launched derivatives trading for professional investors in the UK, offering more than 170 contracts across crypto, commodities, equities, and foreign exchange.

The launch follows Coinbase's receipt of a MiFID investment services authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in July. Perpetuals, which have no expiry date and trade around the clock, carry up to 50x leverage, while dated futures settle on fixed dates and cap out at 20x.

Crypto options are limited to crypto underlyings and cover calls and puts across single and multi-leg strategies, with payoff diagrams built into the interface. Only investors classified as professional clients will qualify, and Coinbase said the rollout will be progressive.