Kalshi Plans CFTC Approval Bid for First U.S.-Regulated WTI Perpetual Futures Contract
Kalshi plans to seek approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission as early as next week for a perpetual futures contract tied to West Texas Intermediate crude oil, according to information shared by Wu Blockchain on X, citing Bloomberg.
If approved, the product would become the first WTI perpetual oil contract offered on a regulated U.S. venue, according to the report. The planned launch would expand Kalshi’s offerings beyond its prediction-market products into a regulated derivatives market linked directly to crude oil prices.
Kalshi Targets CFTC Approval
Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated prediction-market exchange valued at $22 billion, plans to submit its proposal as regulators examine how round-the-clock trading could apply to energy-related contracts.
The proposed WTI perpetual futures contract would be designed to track the price of West Texas Intermediate crude without a conventional fixed expiration date. Unlike standard futures contracts, perpetual products are structured to remain open-ended, allowing traders to maintain exposure without periodically rolling into a new contract.
The proposed product would also differ from a fully 24/7 trading model.
According to the information shared by Wu Blockchain, Kalshi intends to make the contract available 24 hours a day, five days a week. The schedule would leave the market closed during weekends, distinguishing it from some cryptocurrency derivatives markets that operate continuously throughout the week.
Energy Trading Faces Regulatory Scrutiny
The planned contract comes as regulators scrutinize the implications of round-the-clock trading in energy markets. Oil markets traditionally operate according to established trading schedules, with different venues and products subject to specific market hours.
A perpetual futures product on a regulated U.S. venue would introduce a different structure for gaining exposure to WTI prices. Any approval would therefore depend on the CFTC’s assessment of the proposed contract and its trading framework.
Kalshi’s planned application also reflects the exchange’s broader expansion of financial products under U.S. regulatory oversight. The company has built its platform around event-based contracts while operating within the CFTC regulatory framework.
Bloomberg Report Cited by Wu Blockchain
The information was published by Wu Blockchain on X, which attributed the details to Bloomberg. The report specifically identified Kalshi’s intention to seek CFTC approval as early as next week and described the proposed WTI contract as potentially the first perpetual oil contract on a regulated U.S. venue.
The immediate next step is therefore the planned regulatory submission. Whether the CFTC approves the contract, and under what conditions, remains to be determined.
Data source: Wu Blockchain
Writer: Marcus RenfieldCrypto Market Analyst & Onchain WriterMarcus Renfield covers cryptocurrency markets with a focus on onchain data, Bitcoin price action, and emerging market narratives. His writing examines how capital flows, network activity, and broader market structure influence short- and medium-term trends.He aims to provide clear, data-informed analysis for readers seeking a deeper understanding of crypto market dynamics.