CFTC Perpetual Futures News: Exchanges Get Until Oct 20 to Drop Expiry
CFTC Perpetual Futures News: Exchanges Get Until Oct 20 to Drop Expiry
As of October 6, 2026, the latest CFTC perpetual futures news comes from the agency's press release 9308-26, published October 5. 
Its Division of Market Oversight issued CFTC no-action relief that lets designated contract markets (DCMs) turn existing contracts with long expiries into true perpetuals.
The staff letter 26-29 carries an October 3 date and expires on October 20, 2026.
In CFTC crypto news today, the fine print matters: the covered contracts track broad-based security indexes, not coins.
Readers of crypto news today will still recognize the structure, because the Division says this product type grew mostly on offshore venues.
The Block also covered this news in its tweet on X, saying exchanges must give open-position holders notice and risk disclosures.
What Are True Perpetual Futures?
These products have no fixed expiration date. A periodic funding rate keeps the price near the underlying spot price. Traders sometimes call them no expiry futures.
Perpetual-style contracts work the same way but carried long-dated expiries, up to 25 years. Compare perpetual-style futures vs true perpetual futures below.
Feature | Before | After |
Expiry | Up to 25 years | None |
Funding rate | Periodic | Periodic |
Underlying | Broad-based security index | Same |
Can US Exchanges Offer Perpetual Futures Now?
Yes, but narrowly. Coinbase Derivatives asked on October 1 to skip the usual 10-business-day wait for contract amendments. T
he Division said it will not recommend enforcement against Coinbase or any other DCM that completes expiration date removal on eligible products.
So the CFTC allows perpetual futures without expiry for index products only. The CFTC no-action relief perpetual futures conversion path also follows Kalshi's index contract, which the letter says was deemed approved on October 2.
What Conditions Must DCM Perpetual Contracts Meet?
The conditions carry the real weight in this CFTC perpetual futures news. Per the letter, changing terms on contracts with open interest can move prices, so some holders may lose while others gain. Before converting, a DCM must:
Amend only contracts that reference broad-based security indexes.
Seek feedback from open-position holders.
Give at least five calendar days of notice.
Let traders close positions under existing terms.
Provide risk disclosures.
Change no other material term, then file and certify compliance.
CFTC No-Action Letter Crypto Perps Explained: Is Crypto Covered?
No. The document excludes contracts that reference other assets. Perpetuals on bitcoin and similar assets with deep spot markets follow the Commission's May 29 order, a separate track for CFTC digital commodity futures.
The Commission's policy statement sends other assets to case-by-case review.
For US crypto perpetual futures, that order stays the reference. Those seeking US regulated perpetual futures crypto access should read it, not this staff paper.
CFTC Perpetual Contracts October 2026: What Is the Timeline?
These CFTC perpetual futures news dates all fall within three weeks.
Date | Event |
Oct 1 | Coinbase Derivatives files request |
Oct 2 | Kalshi index contract deemed approved |
Oct 3 | Letter 26-29 issued |
Oct 5 | CFTC announces relief |
Oct 20 | Relief expires |
Expert View: What Could Come Next?
Analysts following crypto news may read the letter as groundwork, not a market event. Staff letters bind only the Division, which can modify or end them.
The CFTC perps relief expires October 20, so any DCM wanting to convert has a short window.
Readers tracking CFTC perpetual futures news today should watch which exchanges file notices, and whether the window extends. Price impact, if any, remains unclear.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Derivatives carry high risk. Verify details with official sources.
