Coinbase Derivatives, Nodal Clear Plan to Use USDC as Collateral for Futures Trades

Coinbase Derivatives and Nodal Clear are working to integrate the USDC stablecoin as collateral in regulated U.S. futures markets, aiming to launch the new framework in 2026.

If approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the plan is expected to mark the first time a stablecoin is formally accepted as collateral for margined futures in the U.S.

Coinbase Custody Trust would hold the USDC. Nodal Clear, a CFTC-regulated and part of the Deutsche Börse-owned EEX Group, would handle clearing.

The two firms said they are collaborating with U.S. regulators to bring the offering to market.

“Our commitment to integrate USDC as collateral reflects our dedication to enhance trading capabilities for US market participants, improve operational efficiency through almost instant money movement,” Boris Ilyevsky, CEO of Coinbase Derivatives, said in a statement.

Coinbase touted the move as a “meaningful milestone” in its push to turn USDC into a “true cash equivalent.” The stablecoin, the second-largest behind Tether’s USDT, is also set to be integrated into Shopify over Base.

The announcement follows Coinbase Derivatives’ partnership with Nodal Clear to launch round-the-clock futures trading of BTC and ETH in the United States.