Update
CFTC Uses CME Data to Defend Bitcoin Perpetual Futures
The CFTC has used CME Group's trading data and statements from its own executives to argue against a lawsuit challenging the approval of Kalshi's Bitcoin perpetual futures contract. The CFTC approved Kalshi's BTCPERP contract on May 29, 2026, and the lawsuit is being heard by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. CME's Bitcoin futures volumes grew after Kalshi's contract was approved, with 298,958 Bitcoin futures contracts traded in August 2026, a 15.3% increase from May 2026. CME executives stated that there was no customer demand for perpetual contracts from institutional clients and that CME could launch its own perpetual futures product if it chose to do so.