Robinhood brings Bitcoin and Ether perpetual futures to US customers with up to 10x leverage
Robinhood launches US crypto perpetual futures
Robinhood is bringing crypto perpetual futures to US customers, allowing trading with up to 10x leverage on Bitcoin and Ether. Nicola White, Robinhood's vice president of institutional crypto, said the launch was made possible by a CFTC no-action letter, the Bitstamp exchange, and Robinhood Derivatives.
Perpetual futures are a type of crypto derivative contract that lets traders speculate on an asset's price without an expiry date. Leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of money, but it also increases risk.
Key details from the announcement
- US customers can trade Bitcoin and Ether perpetual futures with up to 10x leverage.
- Robinhood is also pushing for 24/7 global markets, saying it wants markets that never close.
- The company highlighted the role of Bitstamp and the CFTC no-action letter in making US crypto perps available.
What the CFTC no-action letter allows
According to the interview, the CFTC no-action letter was a key step that allowed Robinhood to offer these products in the US. The company also pointed to Bitstamp's volume and the merging of retail and institutional trading as important factors.
What institutions want with Bitcoin
White discussed institutional interest in Bitcoin, including large block trades and the need for deeper market liquidity. She also mentioned the basis trade, which involves taking opposite positions in the spot and futures markets, as a path for US perpetual futures.
AI trading agents and account controls
The interview also covered AI trading agents and Robinhood's sub-account controls, which are designed to give institutions more flexibility in managing trading activity.
Lessons from the 2022 meltdown and leverage limits
White referenced the 2022 crypto market downturn and said it provided lessons on risk. She noted that US leverage limits are part of the current regulatory approach, in contrast to higher leverage offered in other markets.
What is confirmed vs. what is opinion
It is confirmed that Robinhood is bringing crypto perpetual futures to US customers with up to 10x leverage on Bitcoin and Ether, according to the interview. The CFTC no-action letter, the involvement of Bitstamp, and the role of Robinhood Derivatives are also confirmed as described by White.
White's broader views about the future of Bitcoin and tokenized stocks are her own opinions and projections, not confirmed facts.
Why this matters for crypto users
This launch gives US customers a new way to trade Bitcoin and Ether with leverage through a major retail platform. It also shows how crypto derivatives are expanding in the US market, with institutions paying closer attention to liquidity and regulatory approval.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.