European Coinbase users can now place even larger bets on leading cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
On Monday, the crypto exchange launched futures contracts with up to 10x leverage for the market’s two largest cryptocurrencies across 26 different European countries.
Traders can also tap a crypto equity index, which includes exposure to top tech firms, Coinbase stock, and spot crypto exchange-traded funds.
The publicly listed exchange pitched the launch as a regulated alternative for European traders who have “often relied on unregulated platforms for crypto-derivative products.”
The launch comes as Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have plunged far from their October 2025 highs.
The $1.3 trillion cryptocurrency is down nearly 50% from its record price of $126,000.
A slew of geopolitical events — including the United States’ bellicose tariff regime, an escalating conflict in the Middle East, and market jitters linked to forecasted disruptions from advancements in artificial intelligence — has weighed down the market
Meanwhile, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong continues to advance his company’s objectives of becoming a one-stop trading shop.
The firm’s prediction market product also falls under the commodities umbrella
The ‘everything’ exchange
Coinbase is expanding far beyond trading cryptocurrencies, staking tokens, and other crypto-native features.
That includes the launch of traditional equities trading in 2026, allowing users to trade Apple and Tesla stocks 24 hours a day, five days a week. Coinbase also lets users trade popular commodities, such as gold and oil.
The firm’s prediction market product also falls under the commodities umbrella.
Coinbase has advanced thanks to regulatory tailwinds — albeit that advantage is diminishing.
When landmark stablecoin legislation in the US passed, via the Genius Act, Coinbase found a convenient loophole that allowed it to distribute yield, called “rewards” by the company, to users holding stablecoins. As this yield is far greater than that available at a traditional bank, the broader financial community has condemned the language in the Genius Act.
Now, Coinbase is facing off against heads of traditional banking, including JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, to close that loophole in new legislation.
The Clarity Act, which primarily delegates regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies, is now a battleground for stablecoin yield.
European sights
As Clarity simmers, Coinbase continues to make inroads in Europe.
“As regulatory clarity continues to mature across Europe and globally, we are looking forward to continuing to introduce new and expanded services,” the exchange said in a statement.
The new futures contracts are cash-settled and come in two flavours: Perpetual and dated. They incur a fee of 0.02% per contract.
Liam Kelly is a DeFi Correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email him at liam@dlnews.com.
