According to reports, Coinbase has launched regulated futures linked to Shiba Inu, opening the token to trading on a US derivatives venue.
The new products include perpetual-style contracts and monthly futures tied to what Coinbase calls the 1k SHIB index (a 1,000 token index), with trading scheduled to run 24/7.
The rollout began on December 5, 2025, as part of a broader push by the exchange to add altcoin derivative listings under US rules.
Regulated Futures Hit The Market
Reports have disclosed that the perpetual contracts operate like offshore swaps in form but are offered through Coinbase’s regulated platform and are designed to include a funding-rate mechanism to keep prices close to spot.
Now live: Trade US Perpetual-Style Futures for all altcoins on Coinbase Derivatives, available 24/7.
→ Shiba Inu $SHIB
→ Avalanche $AVAX
→ Bitcoin Cash $BCH
→ Cardano $ADA
→ Chainlink $LINK
→ Dogecoin $DOGE
→ Hedera $HBAR
→ Litecoin $LTC
→ Polkadot $DOT
→ SUI $SUI
→… pic.twitter.com/yjS2XsQ2jN— Coinbase Markets (@CoinbaseMarkets) December 15, 2025
Monthly contracts were made available as an initial phase. Clearing and settlement are handled inside systems compatible with US oversight, and the products are described as compliant with Commodity Futures Trading Commission frameworks.
What Traders And Institutions Might Do
Market participants say having regulated futures can change who trades a token. Institutional desks and some large funds often need regulated venues and clearer custody paths before they increase exposure.
Added liquidity and round-the-clock pricing may attract more active traders, and that could raise volume. At the same time, access to futures also makes it easier to bet against the token, which can push volatility up. Reports note that immediate moves in spot markets have been mixed, showing that access to derivatives does not automatically lift the token’s price.
Because SHIB has regulated futures on Coinbase (“1k Shib Index”), it qualifies for spot ETF consideration under the same SEC pathway Bitcoin and Ethereum followed.
The big picture for SHIB
•SHIB now joins the “ETF-watchlist club” with other futures-backed cryptos.
•If/when… pic.twitter.com/cZPxUWWhBn— 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐄 (@LucieSHIB) September 18, 2025
Market Context And Exchange Strategy
Coinbase’s decision follows steps the exchange has taken to grow its derivatives arm. Company filings and public letters in 2025 framed derivatives growth as a strategic priority, and the firm has pursued deals and product launches to expand those capabilities.
One notable deal disclosed earlier involved an agreement valued at close to $3 billion to strengthen derivatives know-how and infrastructure. This background helps explain why Coinbase is offering altcoin futures that trade continuously, under a regulated roof.
Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView