The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued guidance supporting case-by-case approvals for perpetual futures, citing growing demand for 24/7 trading, clearing and settlement. CFTC Chairman Mike Selig called the move "historic," saying it clears the path for one of crypto's most liquid derivatives markets to operate within the US regulatory framework.

The European Securities and Markets Authority has reported a significant improvement in the quality of derivatives reporting following an overhaul of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation. The changes have led to more accurate and comprehensive data, enhancing market transparency and stability.

CME Group has launched 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options, aligning with the continuous nature of crypto markets. This move comes as traditional markets recognize the need for uninterrupted trading, especially after recent geopolitical tensions highlighted the costs of closed markets.

Kalshi is planning to list the first true perpetual futures in the US, marking a significant product expansion. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated exchange will debut crypto perpetuals on over a dozen currencies, pending regulatory review. 

The growing dominance of AI-driven technology companies is spilling into the niche market for dividend futures and options, where Nvidia's surprise dividend increase triggered sharp moves in contracts tied to S&P 500 payouts. Traders are increasingly weighing the impact of mega-cap tech firms, AI-related IPOs and index rebalancing as they reshape dividend expectations and drive record activity in listed dividend derivatives.

Index provider revenue grew 13.4% to $7.2 billion in 2025, driven by derivatives trading and structured products, according to Burton-Taylor's 2026 Index Benchmark Report. "Derivatives are such an important part of liquidity and the volume. Some of the derivatives are easily 20% to 30% of the business," says Brad Bailey, research director at Burton-Taylor.

Traditional financial institutions are increasingly reshaping market infrastructure to match crypto's always-on trading environment, with CME Group's move toward 24/7 cryptocurrency derivatives highlighting the shift. As digital asset markets drive demand for continuous risk management, firms are also confronting broader challenges around settlement, compliance, privacy and real-time monitoring in a financial system that no longer pauses outside business hours.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to augment trading activities, raising questions about the future role of human traders. DekaBank's Thorben Luthge notes AI's ability to remove human bias in structured product hedging, while BNP Paribas Asset Management's Yannig Loyer sees a future where parts of the bond market are fully agent-traded. However, executives including Lynn Challenger at UBS Asset Management emphasize the importance of human judgment in decision-making, suggesting AI will remain a tool rather than a replacement in the near term.

Hedge funds have turned bearish on US natural gas for the first time since 2024, driven by signs of abundant domestic supply and expectations of reduced export demand. Money managers have shifted to a net-short position on seven Henry Hub contracts, per the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Prices have decreased around 10% this year, as mild weather and robust production have driven inventories above historical averages.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has advised regulated derivatives platforms to assess carefully before adopting 24/7 trading, noting that while this model suits crypto markets, it may not be safe for all traditional asset classes. The CFTC said some markets might face liquidity issues and increased volatility during off-peak hours. The advisory comes as the CFTC has allowed crypto platforms, including Coinbase, to offer perpetual futures and global options.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Rhode Island to prevent the state from applying gambling laws to CFTC-registered contract markets, asserting that it has exclusive jurisdiction over event contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act. Rhode Island Attorney General has responded with a parallel state case seeking civil penalties, reflecting a growing trend of states challenging the CFTC's authority.

Kalshi has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota in an attempt to stop a law from taking effect in August that would make it a felony to create, operate or promote prediction markets. Kalshi says the law would force it to choose between ceasing operations in Minnesota and risking criminal penalties.